Welcome to Access-i

Plugstreet 14-18 Experience

The interactive interpretation centre focuses on the lives of soldiers and the civilian population. Its semi-subterranean construction is reminiscent of the catacombs, which are now inaccessible. A glass pyramid marks the entrance. Visitors can enjoy a range of high-tech displays.

In partnership with the Australian government, three themes linked to the presence of Australian soldiers in Ploegsteert and Warneton are also explored: the Battle of Messines, the catacombs and the winter of 1917-1918.

 

The Plugstreet 14-18 Interactive Interpretation Centre is located in the middle of a park.
Two parking spaces are provided along the road.
The path to the centre is made of klinkers, and benches have been installed;
There are educational panels along the way;
The structure of the building is semi-subterranean, with access via a slope of around thirty metres.

The tour comprises five stations:

1.  A film recounting the causes of the 14-18 conflict and the chain of alliances leading to the globalisation of the conflict.

2.  A relief map with animations describing the advance and retreat of the opposing forces, as well as the fighting in the Armentières, Bailleul, Comines-Warneton, Menin and Ypres areas.

3.  A station entirely dedicated to the work of ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) soldiers. Large touch screens, veritable giant tablets, allow you to follow the progress of these battles, the prelude to the 3rd Battle of Ypres.

4.   Six themes are developed in this station on touch screens. They cover subjects such as :

Propaganda and the manipulation of information.
The rigours of the German administration and its share of deprivations and requisitions.
Survival at the front and the daily lives of the people living together.
Humour, a remedy and support for the troops...
The fraternisation of Christmas 1914.
The cult of remembrance.

5.   This last element of the interior scenography offers a virtual tour of the neighbouring 14-18 sites "Plugstreet 14-18 experience".

An easy-to-read and understand guide is available from the museum reception desk.
Visits adapted for the visually impaired can be booked in advance.

 

Strong points

Staff
  • A reference person is present to accompany the persons with special needs.
  • The staff has received training for the reception of persons with special needs.
Safety
  • The structure of the location is simple and makes it possible to find the way and orient oneself easily.
Identification
  • The building is easy to find.

Points of attention

Staff
  • There is no staff available to help negotiate obstacles.

Strong points

Parking
  • There is at least 1 reserved parking space less than 100 metres from the entrance.
  • The reserved parking spaces are properly indicated.
Access road from the car park
  • All the transit areas are sufficiently large.
  • There is no step to negotiate.
Entrance
  • The building is easy to identify.
  • The entrance is easy to identify.
  • The opening of the door is automatic.
Home
  • The payment device is easy to use.
  • The counter is at the correct height.
Horizontal circulation
  • The width of the hallways is sufficient.

Points of attention

Adapted sanitary
  • There is an adapted toilet, but it is difficult to use.
  • There is an adapted toilet, but it is difficult to access.
  • The toilet is not properly equipped.

Strong points

Parking
  • There is at least 1 reserved parking space less than 100 metres from the entrance.
  • The reserved parking spaces are properly indicated.
Access road from the street
  • All the transit areas are sufficiently large.
Entrance
  • The entrance is easy to identify.
  • The staff sees the persons who arrive and can offer assistance.
Home
  • Seats are available near the reception.
Horizontal circulation
  • Circulation is easy everywhere.
Exposition
  • All the content of the exhibition is accessible.

Points of attention

Adapted sanitary
  • There are no grab bars in the toilet.

Strong points

Access road from the car park
  • Circulation is free from obstacles.
Guide dog
  • Assistance dogs are accepted.
Entrance
  • The entrance is easy to identify.
  • The entrance is located in the logical continuation of the pathway.
  • The opening of the door is automatic.
Home
  • The reception is located in front of the entrance.
  • The reception is in a quiet environment.
  • The reception has no glass partition.
  • The staff sees the persons coming into the building and can assist them.
  • The location is structured in a simple and intuitive way.
Horizontal circulation
  • The dangerous objects in the pathway are secured.
  • Circulation is free from obstacles.
Exposition
  • Adapted guided tours are organised upon reservation.
  • It is possible to touch exhibits.

Strong points

Access road from the car park
  • Natural or artificial guide-lines facilitate circulation.
  • There are no obstacles.
Entrance
  • The entrance is easy to identify.
  • The entrance is located in the logical continuation of the pathway.
  • The opening of the door is automatic.
  • The staff sees the persons who arrive and can offer assistance.
Home
  • A reference person is present to accompany the persons with special needs.
  • The reception is located in the logical continuation of the pathway.
  • The reception is in a quiet environment.
Horizontal circulation
  • Circulation is free from obstacles.
  • The dangerous objects in the pathway are secured.
  • The glass walls and doors are secured by a contrasting visual marking.
Exposition
  • Adapted guided tours are organised upon reservation.

Strong points

Parking
  • The car park is freely accessible.
Entrance
  • The entrance is easy to find.
  • The building is easy to find.
  • The staff sees the persons who arrive and can offer assistance.
  • The rates are displayed next to the door.
Home
  • The reception is open, well lit and allows lip reading.
  • The reception is easy to find and close to the entrance.
  • The institution can be contacted in writing: text or email.
  • The rates are displayed in the reception.
  • The premises are easy to understand.
Adapted sanitary
  • The toilets are easy to find.
Exposition
  • The displayed content is mainly visual.
  • Documents in an “easy to read” format are available.

Points of attention

Home
  • There is no staff member practicing sign language.

Strong points

Parking
  • The car park is freely accessible.
Entrance
  • The entrance is easy to find.
  • The building is easy to find.
  • The staff sees the persons who arrive and can offer assistance.
Home
  • The reception is located in a quiet environment.
  • There is an induction loop in the reception.
  • The institution can be contacted in writing: text or email.
  • The rates are displayed in the reception.
Adapted sanitary
  • It is possible to see whether a toilet is occupied or free.
Exposition
  • The environment is calm.
  • Documents in an “easy to read” format are available.

Strong points

Entrance
  • The entrance is easy to find.
  • The building is easy to find.
  • The staff sees the persons who arrive and can offer assistance.
Home
  • The reception is calm.
  • The reception is easy to find and close to the entrance.
  • It is possible to pay in cash (coins and notes).
Horizontal circulation
  • The location is calm.
  • The location is well lit.
Adapted sanitary
  • The toilets are easy to find.
Exposition
  • Guided visits adapted to children are organised.
  • Documents in an “easy to read” format are available.
Access-i vous informe sur l'accessibilité de ce lieu, de par les données relevées sur place, à un instant T. Les modifications éventuelles après la visite d'Access-i relèvent de la responsabilité du gestionnaire.