Articles

Protecting collections also means protecting the knowledge, interpretation and access that make them meaningful. When museums talk about collections resilience, the conversation understandably starts with the physical collection: storage, conservation, documentation, environmental conditions and the skills needed to care for objects over the long term. But resilience has another dimension. Can the knowledge surrounding a…

Museums are under growing pressure to do more with less. Collections need fresh interpretation. Exhibitions need supporting content. Visitors increasingly expect multilingual access, inclusive formats and digital experiences that feel easy to use. At the same time, many museum teams are working with limited budgets, stretched staff and less time for content production. It is…

What if your most valuable visitor insights come from the places where silence lingers? In museum strategy, it’s easy to chase the loudest signals—high footfall, glowing reviews, viral moments. But engagement isn’t always a raised hand or a five-star rating. It’s the curious pause in front of an artifact. The room they skip. The content…

Regional tourism plays a vital role in boosting local economies, preserving cultural heritage, and showcasing hidden gems beyond the major cities. However, many UK tourism organisations face a significant challenge: how can they effectively encourage visitors to explore multiple destinations within their region? Traditional methods—such as physical brochures, guided tours, and static signage—often fall short…

The old adage holds true: “If you’re not paying for the product, you are the product.” Museums must critically evaluate the long-term implications of “free” app partnerships and consider alternatives that prioritise data sovereignty and visitor trust. Progressive web apps (PWAs), for instance, offer a cost-effective solution that allows museums to retain full control over…

When partnering with “free” app providers, are museums unknowingly trading away the key to their future innovation: visitor data? Data is a valuable asset for any institution, and museums are no exception. As museums increasingly turn to third-party mobile apps to enhance the visitor experience, the question of data ownership becomes paramount. It is essential…

Small museums in the UK are confronting several formidable challenges in their ongoing quest to enhance visitor experiences. These challenges encompass the provision of immersive content, the hosting of engaging temporary exhibitions, and the need to better understand and cater to their visitor profiles. The obstacles they face are significant and multifaceted, often requiring innovative…

UK Museum and Heritage Sector in 2024: Resilience, Growth, and Challenges The museum and heritage sector in the UK is not just about preserving the past; it’s about engaging with the present and shaping the future. It continues to be a vibrant and essential part of the cultural landscape, offering insights, inspiration, and education to…

Many museums across the UK face significant challenges in attracting visitors and enhancing their experience. Limited budgets, competition from larger institutions, and the need to preserve and present their unique collections can make it difficult to increase footfall. Offering a free-to-access highlights tour can serve as a powerful marketing tool for any museum who is…

It’s no secret that we are in an era where museums are increasingly facing budget constraints, finding cost-effective solutions to enhance visitor experiences is crucial. Progressive Web Applications (PWAs) have emerged as a financially viable alternative to traditional audioguides, offering numerous benefits that can help museums save money while still providing an engaging and informative…