Galleria Borghese Brings Visual Vernacular to Life in Inclusive Art Tours

Galleria Borghese in Rome has been pioneering the use of Visual Vernacular (VV) for six years, offering monthly performances that bring masterpieces from its collection to life through sign language and poetic gesture. Developed by deaf actor Bernard Bragg in the 1960s, VV transforms Italian Sign Language (LIS) into a cinematic narrative art form, using facial expressions, zoom techniques, three-dimensional space, and non-manual components to evoke emotions and perspectives. The initiative, called "Storie del Cardinale Scipione," was conceived by accessibility referent Stefania Vannini and co-designed with deaf sign language guide Violante Nonno. Performers Lorenzo Laudo and Chiara Lucia Conte lead visitors through the symbolism of artworks, creating an immersive experience that transcends verbal barriers. The National Deaf Association (Ente Nazionale Sordi) supports the program, recognizing its value for accessibility and active participation. The project demonstrates how VV can serve as a cultural mediation tool, turning the museum into a space for experimentation with different languages.