A tactile ceramic scale model was unveiled in August 2006 in the park of the Louhisaari Manor. The model depicts the buildings of Louhisaari as well as the manor’s surroundings, including the park and walkways. The model offers visually impaired visitors the opportunity to sense the buildings’ significant details and to grasp the castle’s surroundings and pathways. The model was designed in accordance with Design for All principles for the enjoyment of all visitors. It is also accessible to children and wheelchair users. The tactile model, which stimulates the sense of touch, offers a different way to learn about and experience the museum site.
The model depicts, for example, the castle’s shingle roof and the park’s lawn using various tactile and colored surfaces. Explanatory texts are printed in black ink and Braille in both Finnish and Swedish. The model is located in the manor castle’s park. No similar scale model has previously been created in connection with a cultural heritage site in Finland.
The model is part of the Access to Cultural Heritage (ACCU) project, funded by the EU’s Culture 2000 program, which aims to increase access to culture. Louhisaari served as the Finnish pilot site for the project, and the model was the main project of the second year of the initiative in Louhisaari.
Explore Louhisaari through a DVD presentation
Unfortunately, Louhisaari Manor is not fully accessible to people with mobility impairments. Louhisaari Manor was a pilot site in Finland for an international project led by the Finnish Heritage Agency aimed at improving the accessibility of cultural sites. Thanks to the Louhisaari DVD, even those who can only move around on the first floor can explore the castle. The film can be viewed in the ladies’ room on the first floor of Louhisaari, which is accessible. The filming and sound recording also take into account viewers with visual or hearing impairments. The film is narrated and subtitled in Finnish, Swedish, and English.
The film’s structure is clear, and its content does not require prior knowledge of Louhisaari or its history. The filming and sound recording also take into account viewers with visual or hearing impairments. The DVD menus are designed to be as user-friendly as possible. The film is narrated and subtitled in Finnish, Swedish, and English.
The film also takes viewers into the manor house’s cellar and attic, areas to which museum visitors do not have access. The film also explores Louhisaari Park and the outbuildings. It offers in-depth information for everyone, but it is especially useful for visitors who would otherwise be unable to fully enjoy the museum.
Ticket sales
The ticket office is located in the main building at Louhisaari. The building has an accessible entrance via the door at the west end. Ticket office phone: 0295 33 6971.
Accessibility
Accessible entry to Louhisaari Manor is via the door located at the west end of the main building. Accessible access is available only on the first floor of the manor.
Pets, service dogs
Guide dogs and service dogs are welcome.
Guided tours
Guided tours can be tailored to meet specific needs.
For more information, call 0295 33 6971.
Café
The café-restaurant is located 200 meters from the manor.
For inquiries, call (02) 431 2515.
Museum shop
The museum shop is located in the main building of the manor.
Getting around the manor
Wheelchair access is available only on the first floor of the manor. A DVD presentation (on the first floor) allows visitors to explore the other floors of the building, as well as areas that are not accessible during guided tours. The DVD presentation is available in Finnish, Swedish, and English.
Toilets
The restrooms are located in the manor’s outbuilding.
The accessible restroom and the baby care room are located in the museum’s outbuilding; follow the signs from the manor courtyard.