META-MUSEUM: Unlocking the Transformative Power of Cultural Heritage

The META-MUSEUM project, funded by the EU with EMA as a partner, is actively advancing its research into how cultural heritage (CH) impacts individuals and fosters confidence and resilience. This core inquiry underpins the research laying the groundwork for Pilot 1 implementations in museums. Significant progress was made at the Egyptian Museum in Turin, where a “status quo” measurement experiment, overseen by teams from Politecnico di Torino and Sapienza Università di Roma, took place. Over 100 participants were equipped with advanced neurophysiological sensors, including EEG, GSR, and eye-trackers, to monitor their engagement and emotional involvement during their visit. The valuable data collected will help portray a clearer picture of visitor interaction with CH and directly inform the development of future pilots.

Beyond observation, META-MUSEUM is also exploring active public engagement with CH. During the Turin experiments, curators collaborated with participants in co-creation activities where archival photos sparked dialogue and led to groups proposing new captions for potential display, demonstrating the transformative nature of CH through direct involvement. Looking ahead, the project is pleased to announce the upcoming publication of its “General Assessment and Interpretation Model,” coordinated by KMOP. This comprehensive framework will detail how people emotionally, cognitively, and physiologically engage with cultural heritage through immersive and hybrid experiences, offering practical tools and insights grounded in the TransforMeans Theory (TMt). This model promises to guide the interpretation of human interaction with CH in meaningful and inclusive ways.

Stay informed, visit https://meta-museum-project.eu/.