Abstract
Museum lobbies serve as crucial thresholds where visitors transition from outsiders to engaged participants. This study explores how exhibition design in these spaces shapes visitor impressions through architecture, lighting, soundscapes, and displays. Focusing on the National Museum of Scotland’s two lobbies, this research employs a mixed-method approach including visitor route mapping, interviews, sound recordings, and dwelling time measurements. Results reveal contrasting experiences between the main and tower entrances, catering to diverse audiences. The main entrance offers a stimulating but potentially overwhelming environment especially for neurodivergent visitors, with an average dwelling time of 47.69 seconds. The tower entrance provides a streamlined experience averaging 14.55 seconds, but risks being underwhelming due to its minimalist design. Key findings emphasise the importance of balancing functionality and focus, clear wayfinding, and atmosphere creation. Similarly, sound levels, architectural elements, and object placement significantly influence visitor perception and behaviour. Recommendations include improved lighting and acoustics for the main entrance and enhanced atmospheric elements for the tower entrance. The study concludes that thoughtfully designed museum thresholds are crucial in shaping positive first impressions and meaningful experiences, highlighting the need for spaces that effectively orient, inform, and inspire diverse visitor groups.
Presenters
Yohana FriasMedia Production Specialist, Exhibitions, Editorial, and Media Production Services Division, National Museum of the Philippines, Philippines
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Exhibition Design, Museum Lobbies, Audience Research, Comparative Research
