Public engagement in exhibitions has evolved through technology and storytelling. The Department of Engineering Science at the University of Oxford, along with various global partners, is creating a more inclusive and engaging way for museums to share exhibition content. The Enriching Exhibition Stories (EES2) project transforms how exhibitions are documented and presented by using open-source digital tools and structured data. This effort is helping people of all ages understand and enjoy exhibitions in new, creative ways.
Table of Contents
Main Objectives of the EES2 Project
- Encourage Accessibility:
Exhibition content becomes more approachable and less intimidating. - Support Digital Storytelling:
Rich digital narratives are built using structured data and modern tools. - Empower Museums:
Even small institutions can create high-quality digital exhibitions. - Include Diverse Voices:
Personal interpretations and student contributions offer fresh perspectives.
Key Collaborators
- Oxford e-Research Centre
- University of Edinburgh
- Yale University
- Ashmolean Museum, Oxford
- Yale Center for British Art
Software and Technology Used
- Quire Software:
An open-source platform created by Getty, used to build digital catalogues. - Linked Art:
A structured data model that helps organize museum content. - IIIF (International Image Interoperability Framework):
Integrates high-quality images in digital exhibitions.
Innovations Through the EES2 Project
- Quire Linked Art Extension:
Enhances the Quire platform by fetching structured data through APIs. - Simple Authoring:
Allows non-experts to build and share exhibition stories. - Digital Story Creation:
Exhibitions are turned into accessible digital books and websites.
Major Trials Conducted
Trial 1: Ashmolean Museum Exhibition – “Labyrinth: Knossos, Myth & Reality”
- Purpose:
Connect existing exhibition content with educational resources. - Resources Used:
- Exhibition catalogue
- Panels and labels
- Official website
- Enriched object records
- Outcome:
Created a digital story linking ancient artefacts with modern learning tools.
Trial 2: Cheney School – Rumble Museum Project
- Institution:
Cheney School, East Oxford – a secondary school with its museum. - Activities Included:
- Visit to the Ashmolean Museum
- Creation of digital stories using Quire
- Integration of storytelling in history and computing lessons
- Results:
Students built a Quire book showcasing their reflections on the exhibition.
Encouraged creativity, research skills, and digital literacy.
Feedback from Cheney School
“Everyone was so invested in the project, staff, teachers and pupils. They really engaged with the learning, teaching and the research process itself. Their participation in the design, construction and delivery of this project and its outputs drove the process.”
Student Outcomes
- Developed research and storytelling skills
- Engaged with museum content in personal, meaningful ways
- Participated in hands-on, collaborative learning
Educational Value
| Feature | Impact on Students |
|---|---|
| Visit to the Ashmolean Museum | Inspired curiosity and historical exploration |
| Use of Quire Software | Introduced modern digital publishing tools |
| Cross-subject Learning | Connected computing and history in a real-world context |
| Student-Created Content | Encouraged confidence and ownership of learning |
Professional Training and Dissemination
- Train-the-Trainers Session:
Delivered at the Digital Humanities Summer School in Oxford. - Museum Conferences:
Presented results in the UK and US, encouraging wider adoption. - International Presentation:
In November 2024, Kevin Page presented the project at the CIDOC Annual Conference in Amsterdam, hosted by the Rijksmuseum.
Conference Highlights
| Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Event | CIDOC 2024 – International Council of Museums Conference |
| Location | Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam |
| Participants | Around 200 in person, 200 online |
| Focus Topics | Digital engagement, data use in museums, and visitor experience |
| Presentation | Quire extension and EES2 project trials |
Available Learning Resources
- Training Materials:
Tutorials and guides on using the Quire Linked Art Extension - Project Website:
Offers access to digital stories, templates, and student works - Reusable Materials:
Content from trials is available for schools and museums to adapt
Benefits to Museums and Educators
| Group | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Museum Staff | Training, new tools, and templates for public storytelling |
| Teachers | Creative teaching methods using real museum content |
| Students | Engaging learning experiences and opportunities to publish their own work |
| General Public | Access to richer, more diverse exhibition stories |
Key Takeaways
- Technology makes exhibitions more interactive and inclusive
- Structured data improves how museums share and connect stories
- Educational partnerships lead to impactful learning experiences
- Small institutions gain tools to enhance their public outreach
Closing Perspectives
Public engagement in museums has been reimagined by the Enriching Exhibition Stories project. Through collaboration, open-source tools, and student participation, the Department of Engineering Science at the University of Oxford has helped museums deliver richer, more personal stories. Both the museum professionals and school students benefited from the digital transformation of exhibitions. The project continues to provide valuable resources that can help institutions and educators connect with audiences in creative, meaningful ways.
