Abstract

This study investigates the global development status and evolutionary trends of universal design in museums, aiming to advance this field and foster inclusive environments that accommodate the needs of all visitors, including those with disabilities. By addressing the gap between the growing public demand for universal design in museums and its current inadequate implementation, this research seeks to mitigate existing contradictions. Using bibliometric and scientometric methods, the study analyzes trends based on 2,095 articles published between 1976 and 2024 in the Web of Science (WoS) database. Tools such as CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and RStudio Bibliometrix were employed to identify research hotspots, leading contributors, and collaboration networks. Results show a steady increase in publications, growing from 93 in 2015 to 160 by October 2024, with the United States leading in output. China and other countries also show significant contributions, particularly through research institutions. The analysis highlights frequent keywords such as “accessibility,” “virtual reality,” and “inclusion,” emphasizing the role of digital technology and interdisciplinary strategies. A timeline of key UN-issued universal design laws and guidelines since the mid-twentieth century was also developed to support further academic inquiry. While limited to WoS data, the study provides valuable insights into current research directions and suggests pathways for future innovation in museum accessibility.