We believe culture and history should be experienced by everyone.
Our project creates 3D tactile models of important cultural landmarks, monuments, objects, and heritage sites, with a particular focus on making cultural learning more accessible to people who are blind or visually impaired.
Unlike ordinary miniature models created mainly for visual display, the models in our collection are specifically designed to be explored through touch. Features such as shape, structure, scale, surface detail, and recognizable architectural elements are considered with tactile use in mind. Where necessary, complex visual details may be simplified or emphasized so that important characteristics can be more easily identified and understood through the hands.
Through our tactile exhibitions, visitors are encouraged to touch, hold, and explore these three-dimensional models while learning about the history and cultural significance of what they represent. The collection brings together landmarks and cultural objects from different countries and communities, allowing visitors to experience world heritage in a more inclusive and hands-on way.
But we want these resources to extend far beyond the exhibitions we organize.
Through this website, we provide 3D-printing files specially prepared for tactile use. These are not simply digital replicas intended for decoration. They are designed with the goal of producing finished models that can be handled and explored by touch. Schools, libraries, museums, nonprofit organizations, educators, student groups, and families can download selected files, print the models locally, and use them to create their own tactile learning activities or exhibitions.
The finished models used in our exhibitions follow the same principle. They are intended to be touched, examined from different directions, and held whenever practical, allowing users to understand forms and structures that are often presented only through photographs, screens, or displays that cannot be touched.
By making both our tactile-ready 3D printing files and exhibition models available to communities, we hope to make accessible cultural education easier to reproduce in different parts of the world. A model created for one exhibition can become a learning resource for many more students, schools, and communities.
The project is supported by students and volunteers who contribute to cultural research, model development, accessibility planning, educational materials, 3D printing, and exhibition organization.
Our goal is not to replace visiting a museum, monument, or historical site. Instead, we hope to provide another way of discovering culture, one designed from the beginning with touch in mind.
History can be seen. Culture can be heard. Heritage can also be felt.
Heritage at Fingertips