Access to open-air museums and heritage in Poland for visitors with physical disabilities. Visual ethnographic report

This ethnographic research explores the accessibility of open-air museums in Poland for visitors with physical disabilities, with particular emphasis on the interplay between heritage preservation and inclusive access.Drawing on field observations and content analysis of museums' official accessibility declarations, the research identifies a persistent gap between institutional statements and actual visitor experience.While outdoor areas allow for walking access, historic wooden interiors-often integral to the exhibition narrative-remain largely inaccessible due to architectural and conservation constraints.Some institutions adopt ad hoc, access upon request solutions, revealing a reactive rather than proactive approach to accessibility.The findings underscore structural and organisational barriers that limit equal participation in cultural heritage.The study argues for integrated accessibility strategies that reconcile conservation priorities with inclusive design.These insights contribute to the discourse on heritage management, offering recommendations for aligning policy commitments with the lived realities of diverse audiences.