Abstract
The new museum definition (ICOM 2022) has officially recognized accessibility, inclusion, and community participation as intrinsic elements of this institution. These characteristics are at the basis of such a close relationship with the audience that necessarily requires an in-depth knowledge of the same, which goes beyond the quantitative data of admissions. However, this type of research is not widespread, both because of the limited resources available and a bias on the part of professionals. In this context, this research aims to contribute to filling this gap by presenting the results of non-participant public observations at the National Archaeological Museum in Taranto (Italy). This method makes it possible to assess, through specific indicators, the use of the museum space, the relationship with the exhibition and the effectiveness of the communication between the audience and the artworks realized through the museum set-up. Furthermore, these data are presented in comparison with the results of a previous research conducted with the same methodology and in the same museum in 2018. This comparison will make it possible to verify what changes have taken place in audience profile and behaviour, and to measure the effectiveness of the interventions made by the museum in recent years to improve the quality of the museum experience. In conclusion, this work will deepen the knowledge of the public and identify its needs and the exhibition solutions that can respond to them, thus constituting elements that can promote and catalyse successive inclusive and participatory processes.
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Museums, Archaeological Museums, Observation, Visitor studies, Museum evaluation, Italy
