PHILADELPHIA - Usually, the rule in museums is to never touch the objects on display.

But the Penn Museum in Philadelphia makes an exception for the blind and visually impaired. For them, the archaeology and anthropology center offers special hands-on tours.

The program allows participants to feel Egyptian artifacts that date back thousands of years, from stone coffins to hieroglyphic writing. The tactile experience aims to help them better understand the ancient civilization.

Conservators say they aren't worried about damaging the artifacts because guests sanitize their hands and use a light touch.

According to accessibility experts, most major U.S. cities have at least one museum that offers such tours. They've become more common as museums seek to engage audiences, not just preserve objects.