April 25, 2026/
Dr. Kathrin Pabst is a cultural scientist with a Master’s degree in European Ethnology, and a PhD in professional ethics....
A Transformative Approach
to Cultural Heritage
META-MUSEUM is a project that aims to change
how people experience cultural heritage (CH)
Understanding the Evolving Nature of Cultural Heritage
Addressing Societal Challenges Through Cultural Heritage
The META-MUSEUM is rooted in the belief that empathy plays a crucial role in comprehending the dynamic nature of cultural heritage (CH). By fostering empathetic emotions, co-creation, and individual interpretation, we can empower citizens to navigate societal transformations with greater confidence.
The META-MUSEUM acronym encapsulates the vision of transcending traditional cultural spaces. It aims to incorporate people, activities, and places in a pervasive, unconventional, and emotionally resonant manner.
In recent years, Europe and the world have faced numerous crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, economic instability, political tensions, and climate change. These challenges have significantly impacted people’s mental health, increasing anxiety and fear about the future.
Rapid technological advancements, such as the metaverse and artificial intelligence, further exacerbate these concerns, leading to a sense of loss of control and a need to constantly adapt.
What is META-MUSEUM project?
META-MUSEUM is a project that aims to change how people experience cultural heritage (CH). It focuses on understanding how CH is constantly evolving and how citizens can play a role in shaping its meaning.
Why is it needed?
- Many people feel excluded from traditional museums and CH experiences.
- Rapid societal changes can lead to feelings of anxiety and a lack of control.
- Understanding CH as transformative can help people feel more confident and resilient.
What are the objectives?
- Encourage empathy towards CH and understanding of its transformative nature.
- Foster inclusion, participation, and social cohesion.
- Increase confidence and resilience in citizens.
- Develop evidence-based principles for designing transformative cultural experiences.
What is the methodology?
The project will use a transdisciplinary approach, combining:
- Museography and CH communication
- Social sciences
- Psychology and neurosciences
- Computer sciences and geomatics
Expected results and outcomes:
- Develop “TransforMeans theory” (TMt) for designing cultural experiences that foster empathy and understanding.
- Pilot test TMt principles in different settings.
- Create a refined and evidence-based TMt.
- Train professionals in using TMt.
- Establish a META-MUSEUM Competence Centre to offer expertise and support after the project ends.
Key Objectives of META-MUSEUM
Promoting Empathy and Co-Creation
Enhancing Citizen Confidence
Developing Innovative Cultural Experience
Advancing Research and Knowledge
Encouraging empathetic engagement with CH and fostering collaborative interpretation
Empowering individuals to navigate societal change by understanding the transformative nature of CH
Designing innovative cultural experiences that are accessible, inclusive, and transformative
Conducting interdisciplinary research to explore the impact of cultural heritage on individual well-being and societal resilience
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April 25, 2026/
Loraine Vilain is Community Outreach Projects Manager at the Louvre-Lens museum. The museum is actively involved in promoting the social development of...
April 25, 2026/
Nils M. Jensen, Director, The Association of Danish Museums, is an experienced leader in cultural heritage, museums, and communication. As...
April 25, 2026/
Stephan Engelhard, M.A., is responsible for education and mediation at the LVR-Archaeological Park Xanten. He studied Classics and Archaeology at...
April 25, 2026/
Lidija Milašinović was born in 1977 in Kikinda, Serbia. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree and the academic title of Magister...
April 25, 2026/
Martin Brandt Djupdræt is head of research, development and cross-disciplinary projects at Den Gamle By, an open-air museum in Aarhus...
April 1, 2026/
Greetings dear META-MUSEUM community, We are writing to you from a milestone moment. META-MUSEUM has officially reached the halfway point...
March 27, 2026/
As a first step in our collaboration with MetaHeritage, we would like to share the invitation for stakeholders to join...
March 27, 2026/
It has been a busy season for META-MUSEUM beyond the lab. In February, our Coordinator at POLITO took the floor...