Heinz Nixdorf MuseumsForum

Heinz Nixdorf MuseumsForum (HNF)

The Heinz Nixdorf MuseumsForum is the largest computer museum in the world and also a lively event venue. On 6,000 square meters of exhibition space, 5,000 years of history, present and future of information technology are presented, from the emergence of number and writing 3,000 BC to the computer age of the 21st century. 

The more than 2,000 objects on display are shown in a broad social and economic-historical context, making the exhibition interesting not only for computer specialists. The forum complements the exhibition with an extensive range of events. Lectures, workshops and conferences address the far-reaching influence of information technologies on people and society. In this way, the HNF addresses questions of human orientation and education in the modern information society.

Accessibility certified People with walking disabilities Wheelchair users Deaf people Blind people

Barrier-free information

Short Report as PDF

All areas relevant for testing meet the quality criteria of the label "Accessibility certified - accessible for people with walking disabilities and partially accessible for wheelchair users".

Some information on accessibility are listed below. For detailed information please see the evaluation report.

  • There are six designated parking spaces for people with disabilities.
  • All rooms and facilities that can be used by guests are accessible without steps or via an elevator.
  • All doors/passages that can be used by guests and are raised are at least 90 cm wide.
  • The exhibits and information on the exhibits are mainly visible when seated.
  • There are wheelchair-accessible tables in Café F7 (maximum height 80 cm, wheelchair-accessible at a height of 67 cm and a depth of 30 cm).
  • There is a public toilet for people with disabilities, which can be accessed from both sides (at least 90 cm). The grab rails on the toilet can be flipped-up.
  • Guided tours are offered for people with walking disabilities and wheelchair users. Advance booking is necessary.
  • Mobile or fixed seating is available for people with walking disabilities, which can be used during the tour.

Evaluation report: Download as PDF

 All areas relevant for testing meet the quality criteria of the label "Accessibility certified - partially accessible for people with hearing impairment". 

Some information on accessibility are listed below. For detailed information please see the evaluation report.

  • The alarm is clearly visible in the entire building/object.
  • There is no audio induction loop.
  • An outgoing emergency call in the elevator is confirmed audibly. Alternatively stairs are available.
  • The information on the exhibits is predominately provided in written form.
  • There is audible information on the exhibits.
  • In the Café F7 there are tables with bright and glare-free lighting, on which there are no lamps standing or hanging that restrict the field of vision or eye contact. There is no seating area with low background noises (e.g. seating corner, separate room).
  • Guided tours with FM systems (e.g. headphones, neck loops) are offered for people with hearing impairments.

Evaluation report: Download as PDF

All areas relevant for testing meet the quality criteria of the label "Accessibility certified - partially accessible for people with visual impairments".

Some information on accessibility are listed below. For detailed information please see the evaluation report.

  • Assistance dogs may be brought into all relevant areas/rooms.
  • The entrance is visually rich in contrast.
  • Almost all elevated areas that can be used by guests are well lit, i.e. bright and glare-free.
  • There are no visually contrasting or tactile floor indicators. Orientation information is available in Braille. 
  • The signage is designed in clearly legible and high-contrast lettering.
  • An outgoing emergency call in the elevator is confirmed acoustically. 
  • Stairs have visually contrasting edges on at least the first and last step. Stairs have handrails on both sides.
  • The exhibits are generally well lit.
  • The information on the exhibits is mainly provided in writing and is visually rich in contrast. There is also occasional acoustic information about the exhibits.
  • Information is not available in Braille or prismatic writing.
  • The menu in Café F7 is written in a plain, high-contrast font. 
  • Guided tours are offered for people with visual impairments and blind people. Advance booking is necessary. During the guided tours, exhibits are integrated for touching.
  • An audio guide is available that can be used independently by people with visual impairments/blind people.

Evaluation report: Download as PDF

Some information on accessibility are listed below. For detailed information please see the evaluation report.

  • The name or logo of the museum is clearly recognizable from the outside.
  • The destinations of the paths are always within sight.
  • The information on the exhibits is predominately provided in written form, but not in easy language.
  • Information on the exhibits is partly displayed photorealistically.
  • There is no menu with pictures and the dishes are presented visibly (buffet, bar).
  • Guided tours for people with cognitive impairments are offered. A reservation in advance is necessary.

Evaluation report: Download as PDF

Image gallery

Heinz Nixdorf MuseumsForum Heinz Nixdorf MuseumsForum (HNF)
Robot Pepper Robot Pepper (HNF)
The chess turk in the HNF The chess turk in the HNF (HNF)
Robot Beppo in the HNF Robot Beppo in the HNF (HNF)