We’re in the Museum! How PLAY Creative is Making History Touchable
From the CEO’s Desk: A Commitment to Inclusive Experiences
At PLAY Creative, we’re on a mission to make the world more inclusive, one project at a time. We believe accessibility isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a chance to create richer, more meaningful connections between people and the stories that shape our world. That’s why we’re thrilled to share our latest collaboration with 3DPhotoWorks, where we’re combining cutting-edge technology and creative storytelling to bring history and science to life like never before.
A New Era of Accessibility: Partnering with 3DPhotoWorks
Teaming up with 3DPhotoWorks, a leader in tactile imaging, we’re turning traditional museum experiences into interactive adventures. While 3DPhotoWorks creates incredible tactile images that allow visitors to feel their way through exhibits, PLAY Creative is adding another layer of engagement through our expertly crafted audio descriptions and voicing modules. It’s not just about seeing or feeling—it’s about fully immersing every visitor in the experience, no matter their abilities.
Imagine standing in front of an exhibit and hearing the vivid stories of espionage and intrigue, while also exploring tactile models of historic artifacts. That’s the magic we’re creating—an experience where touch, sound, and imagination collide to break down barriers and bring history into sharper focus.
Mark Your Calendars: The International Spy Museum
First up in our lineup is the International Spy Museum, opening its doors to this new accessible format in October. And let me tell you, this isn’t your average history lesson. One of the highlights? A deeply engaging exhibit on Virginia Hall—a co-founder of the CIA and one of the most formidable spies of World War II. Through our detailed audio descriptions, visitors will be able to dive into the extraordinary life of Hall, exploring how she operated behind enemy lines with a prosthetic leg—code-named “Cuthbert”—and outsmarted the Nazis time and again. Our audio work aims to do justice to her legacy, making it as vivid and captivating as the stories themselves.
Coming in 2025: Virginia Science Museum
But we’re not stopping there. In 2025, the Virginia Science Museum will unveil its own transformation with the help of 3DPhotoWorks and PLAY Creative. This collaboration will open up new ways for visitors to engage with scientific wonders through tactile models paired with our immersive audio narratives. Imagine exploring the cosmos, feeling the craters of the moon, or the intricate details of a dinosaur fossil while being guided by our descriptive audio. It’s an entirely new way to learn, feel, and connect with science.
Why Accessibility Matters: It’s About Connection, Not Compliance
Here’s the reality: nearly one in five people live with some form of disability. That’s a massive audience that often gets overlooked in traditional marketing and exhibition spaces. For us, it’s not just about compliance with standards; it’s about connection—about making sure everyone has a seat at the table (or, in this case, a spot at the exhibit).
By enhancing these museum experiences, we’re showing that accessibility isn’t just an added feature—it’s a fundamental aspect of storytelling. And it’s good for business too. According to research, brands that prioritize accessibility see increased loyalty and a wider reach, tapping into the buying power of people with disabilities and their families, which is estimated to be over $13 trillion globally.
An Invitation to Engage: Check Out These Upcoming Exhibitions
If you’re excited about our work with 3DPhotoWorks, you’re going to love what’s on the horizon. Make sure to mark these exhibitions on your calendar and experience the future of accessibility firsthand:
- Joslyn Art Museum, Omaha, NE
Exhibition: Seven Art Movements
Dates: September 10, 2024 – March 10, 2025 - Kiewit Luminarium, Omaha, NE
Exhibition: Experience the Cosmos: The James Webb Space Telescope
Dates: September 26, 2024 – October 27, 2024 - The Hastings Museum, Hastings, NE
Exhibition: Leonardo da Vinci: Artist and Engineer
Dates: September 24, 2024 – December 19, 2024
Exhibition: Experience the Cosmos: The James Webb Space Telescope
Dates: December 21, 2024 – March 20, 2025
Exhibition: Tet and the Battle of Hue
Dates: March 24, 2025 – May 25, 2025 - The Durham Museum, Omaha, NE
Exhibition: Abraham Lincoln: President, Emancipator, Corporate Pitchman
Dates: January 25, 2025 – April 25, 2025 - Great Plains Art Museum, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE
Exhibition: The Journey: Documented Items/Undocumented Souls
Dates: March 7, 2025 – August 23, 2025
A Call to Action: Reimagine What’s Possible
Accessibility doesn’t just change how people interact with content—it changes lives. As we look to the future, I challenge all creators, marketers, and leaders to think bigger. How can you make your work more accessible? How can you engage every member of your audience in a way that’s meaningful and transformative?
At PLAY Creative, we’re not just imagining this future—we’re building it. And we’re excited for you to be part of it. Together, let’s create a world where every story can be touched, heard, and felt by all.