Inclusive Exhibit at the National Museum of Korea.

"OGAM is an exhibition and learning space where individuals with and without disabilities can together experience museum cultural heritage through various senses, share their thoughts, and empathize with each other. (The poster for the National Museum of Korea's 'OGAM' exhibition)

Introducing a delightful sensory experience space, 'OGAM' for ALL.

Opened on September 14th, 'OGAM' is a pioneering exhibition space in domestic museums, created by the National Museum of Korea to offer a diverse sensory experience. Departing from visually-centered exhibitions that were inaccessible for visually impaired individuals beyond the glass walls, it has been curated to be appreciated through senses like touch, smell, and hearing.

Main entrance of OGAM exhibition.

Tactile map and braille in OGAM exhibition. 

Layout of OGAM exhibition.

My name is Jane, and I am touring on behalf of all of us at OGAM :)

Allow me to give you a sneak peek of the 'Sensory Experience' exhibition that I visited first. In this exhibition, the highlight is ' The Pensive Bodhisattva'! You can both listen to the instructor's explanation and make use of the audio guide for a richer experience.

Braille guidance
 

Jane is feeling an early pottery-shaped item.

Jane is feeling a scaled-down ottery-shaped item.  

The face of Pensive Bodhisattva with a gracious smile.

Visitors had a chance to get up close and personal with everything from the miniatures to the life-sized Pensive Bodhisattva. They could feel the textures and materials themselves. Plus, there was the fun option of taking in the step-by-step process behind making these figures. You could even try your hand at sketching the sculptures you liked and confirm details with a touch. How cool is that?
 

I smiled when I touch Pensive Bodhisattva.

The OGAM’s audio guide via mobile application.

Listening to various stories about Pensive Bodhisattva through an audio.

'Dot Pad' tactile display allows you to personally sketch and touch the most memorable parts. 

What does the nose of the Pensive Bodhisattva look like? 

In the 'Scent' Zone, we can recall Pensive Bodhisattva with fragrance.

Exploring a scented stone by touch.

We're discussing the difference in body shape between the style of the 6th-century Pensive Bodhisattva and the 7th-century. Personally, I'm quite charmed by the 6th-century ones. Go ahead and choose your own favorite!

You know, as visually impaired visitors, it was a bit tough to truly appreciate our cultural treasures behind those glass walls, though we have audio guidance. But with this exhibition, I'm crossing my fingers that our artifacts will finally get the chance to shine for everyone, including those with visual impairments! I really wish that this exhibition sets the stage for a more inclusive experience for our visually impaired friends and becomes a one-of-a-kind exhibit that makes waves worldwide.

Q1. How did it strike you?

Jane: Oh, it's kind of neat seeing these things (the crown) up close. The way the clothes flow is pretty cool.

Staff: Are you able to feel the details?

Jane: Definitely!

Staff: You know, because it's made of metal, it's got to feel chill sometimes. I find myself hugging them when I'm feeling a bit hot in here, haha

Q2. How about drawing and getting a feel of what impressed you the most using this tactile pad?

Staff: It's got a bit of a chubby, doesn't it?

Jane: Back in the day, being a bit plump was a sign of prosperity and abundance from what I heard.

Staff: That's right since he was a prince.

We've even prepared some mission cards to get you chatting with others while you're at it!

Jane: Oh, great.

Staff: Check this out - I've got a fun one for you: "What do you think this Pensive Bodhisattva mull over at the moment?"

Jane: Wow, the wrists are really slender!

(Everyone together) Hahaha!

Jane: Their hands feel like this so well..

Staff: Yes, you can feel the details more vividly.

Q3. Shall we sketch the most impressive thing and then touch it on the pad?

Staff: You know what was impressive? Some folks focused on the parts that left an impression on them and blew them up in their drawings. Look, right now, there are people who were struck by the ear, so they drew it super big! They did an awesome job showing what they felt in all sorts of creative ways.

Jane: Then I'll also draw the part that impressed me.

Staff: Ah, yes, earlier you seemed like you might draw the 'flat feet' of the sculpture,

(Everyone together) Hahaha.

Jane: That's a bit tricky to draw... (starts drawing) There, but the hand shape didn't come out well.

Staff: But I recognized it right away.

(Everyone together) Hahaha.