December 17, 2025/
Beyond traditional surveys and headcounts, META-MUSEUM is exploring the "inner life" of the visitor by capturing the real-time emotional and...
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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- News
September 29, 2025/
The latest museum campaigns wrapped up with in-depth analysis that reveals both the strengths and the areas for improvement at...
September 29, 2025/
We're excited to share insights from the recent training module workshop based on TransforMEANS Theory, at the annual EMA Conference...
September 29, 2025/
META-MUSEUM project participated in the UNIGHT activities in Turin, which was part of the European Researchers’ Night. Collaborating with teams...
September 29, 2025/
Researchers at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam are currently investigating how brains and bodies respond to culture and heritage.
September 29, 2025/
With the guidance of the UNI Jena-team a group of international students have begun to draft and visualise design prototypes.
September 29, 2025/
As the META-Museum moves forward, the consortium has finalized a number of important milestones that contributes throughout the project’s findings. ...
September 29, 2025/
End-of-First-Year Greetings, Dear META-MUSEUM readers, with October finally approaching we would like to take the chance to take stock of...
September 29, 2025/
The META-MUSEUM is making exciting progress, laying the groundwork for a fresh, inclusive approach to how museums and cultural spaces...