The META-MUSEUM is making exciting progress, laying the groundwork for a fresh, inclusive approach to how museums and cultural spaces connect with everyone. For further details on what happened in the last months, click on the headlines to read more about the ongoing research in that specific work package.
Transformative Cultural Heritage
Recent research dove deep into what makes cultural heritage transformative for people—including both everyday visitors and experts such as museum professionals and neuroscientists. The KMOP team developed helpful recommendations by learning about different types of audiences and spotlighting groups who are often left out. These guidance tips will help museums become more welcoming, accessible, and engaging for all.
Experts created a powerful tool that goes beyond counting attendance—it looks at what visitors feel, think, and do during their museum experiences. This approach blends science and storytelling, helping museum teams see the true effect their exhibitions have on people. Education modules are also on the way to make these findings easy to share with museum professionals everywhere.
Advancing Data Management and Exploring New Digital Experiences
WP3 has recently focused on the technical implementation of the Data Management Plan (DMP). A centralized storage solution has been set up by BEIA, based on Min-IO (Amazon S3-like), providing at least 2TB of space for the project. Each partner has designated data managers with access to storage.agile.ro, ensuring secure and structured handling of datasets in various formats (.csv, .mp4, etc.). Partners are now encouraged to upload their data, which will later support the Attachbox application.
At the same time, the team has been discussing solutions for location-based experiences through Attachbox. Different technologies are under consideration – GNSS, Bluetooth Beacons, and QR codes. While a web application would be ideal, limitations in accessing location services may require a native mobile app, with Android being the preferred platform due to its wider market share.
Bringing Innovation to Life
At FSU Jena, students and designers are crafting creative prototypes to help museum guests feel truly connected—using immersive soundscapes, digital art, and playful games that make history come alive. These ideas encourage meaningful interactions without disrupting the spirit of the exhibition.
Studying Reactions: Brain, Body, and Emotions
Ongoing experiments at VU Amsterdam are unveiling how museum experiences affect our brains and bodies. Scientists use cutting-edge tools to see how visitors react emotionally to art and artifacts, and how different types of exhibit explanations (even those powered by AI!) change the way people engage and feel. These discoveries will help museums inspire empathy, curiosity, and confidence for every visitor.
Measuring What Matters
The latest museum campaigns, led by POLITO, wrapped up with in-depth analysis that reveals both the strengths and the areas for improvement at partner museums. Using surveys and neuro-data, the project is ensuring that every step forward builds on real visitor experiences, making future exhibits even more impactful.
Stay tuned: The META-MUSEUM is paving the way for richer, more memorable cultural adventures for everyone!