The Manitoba Museum is making its exhibits more accessible for visitors.
The museum announced Thursday that it has partnered with Aira Explorer, a visual interpreting service, to give blind and low-vision visitors a more immersive and independent experience of its exhibits.
“Implementing Aira at the Manitoba Museum is an important step toward making our galleries more accessible to everyone. Blind and low-vision visitors who may not have considered visiting before can now explore Manitoba’s history with greater independence,” said Rhiannon Leier-Blacher, Director of Marketing, Sales, & Visitor Experience at Manitoba Museum. “We look forward to welcoming more members of the community who can now experience the galleries in a way that works for them.”
Aira Explorer is an app that connects users to professional visual interpreters at the tap of a button. The interpreters use the user’s camera and microphone to describe surroundings, navigate, read aloud and assist with a variety of other tasks. The interpreters are available at all times and do not require advance booking.
Before launching the app to the public, a test group tried it out in December 2025, and reviews from the testing group were overwhelmingly positive, encouraging the museum to take the next steps.
“Aira levels the playing field for persons who are blind to enjoy the Museum, especially when travelling alone,” said Tanis Woodland, Aira Explorer user, on her visit to the Manitoba Museum. Aira provides the assistance to allow the person with no vision to not only navigate the Museum safely, but also allows the visitor to focus on the [Museum exhibits] rather than [focusing on] getting from point A to point B.”
The app can be used by anyone visiting the Manitoba Museum, Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre or Centennial Concert Hall at no cost.
Anyone visiting the Manitoba Museum can use the Aira Explorer App to connect with a visual interpreter at no cost. Visitors can download Aira Explorer in the iOS App Store and Google Play Store.
The improvement was made possible through a grant provided by the Province of Manitoba.
