Spectacular Action-Drama versus factual science. Interacting versus observing.

Diving into the past with a VR-headset versus watching a 3D model on the phone by scanning a QR-Code.

“Danube’s Archaeological eLandscapes” aims to visualise our archaeological knowledge and heritage in completely new ways, using new technologies. Even though many people have access to phones, computers, and the internet, diving into an augmented- or virtual reality world is not a regular business for most of us. So: When you find yourself standing in the middle of the mourning guests of a solemn funeral of a Hallstatt prince, there are three options: either you’re dreaming, you’re the first human who has travelled back in time, or by next year, you’ve made the [right] decision to pay the exhibition “Danube’s Archaeological eLandscapes” a visit. However, before visitors will be able to listen to the sound of traders bargaining over the price of Mediterranean oysters 2000 years ago in Flavia Solva, before children will be able to try out the ancient technique of weaving themselves, or before one can observe servants rushing in and out of colourful mansions, the experts involved in this project have to awaken to some basic questions concerning the exhibition next year.

The Creative Labs and Hubs aim to unite archaeologists, IT-experts, exhibition curators and other interested people in a creative process. In workshops, they discuss questions arising when trying to visualise archaeological landscapes and evaluate the technical possibilities. In one of the five workshops “Creative Lab & Hubs”, hosted by the Archaeological Museum of the Universalmuseum Joanneum in Graz, the participants paid the “A(R)DVENTURE” by the Center of Science Activities a visit. Together, they tried to uncover the mystery of the Maya civilisation and collected data on an Arctic research ship. The visit was more than an excursion: for the first time, the participants experienced what a museum visit is like, when you immerse yourself into different worlds using Augmented Reality. This means, that the real world is enhanced with virtual objects with the help of technical devices such as glasses, a tablet or a smartphone. After having virtually analysed all the arctic ice cores and after having solving all the riddles in the ancient “Temple of rain”, the experts shared their experiences and impressions. An important research-step: In order to plan an exhibition using new technologies properly, collecting experiences and getting inspired is inevitable.

Spectacular action-drama versus factual science: What does not only attract the attention of the visitors, but also maintain it? Will we be able to show faces, to simulate noises and to tell personal stories? How realistic and relatable can the virtual world created for the exhibition 2022 be – without it drifting away from scientifically proven facts towards fiction?

Interacting versus observing: Does the challenge of solving interactive tasks by operating novel technical devices distract from the transfer of knowledge? Should the focus of the Danube’s Archaeological eLandscapes exhibition lie on transferring knowledge about the archaeological heritage of the Danube region, or is the implementation of new technologies in museum exhibits the main goal? Are visitors able to focus on the hard facts while swinging a sword or trying out a new craft? Is there a benefit in being able to actually practice the ancient weaving technique yourself, instead of listening to a museum guide trying to explain the complicated practice?

VR-headset versus scanning a QR code: Is the purchase of VR-headsets feasible, and reasonable for the aim of the project? Visitors should be able to experience the archaeological heritage not only in museums, but also at the archaeological sites. Will it be possible to provide VR-headsets everywhere, from a hygienical and security point of view? What are the benefits and disadvantages from being able to scan a QR-code and watch a virtual recreation on your own phone?

The participants of the Creative Labs and Hubs are currently engaging in conversations and discussions evolving around questions like these. In order to meet the needs of the visitors and manage to transfer knowledge, it is essential to get inspired by different people from different backgrounds. We can’t wait for the next creative session to take place, where we will get to the bottom of the questions raised.