As we got out of the car my 5 year old complained: "Museums are boring because there's nothing for us to play with." Twenty minutes later he was so enchanted that we could barely get past the first exhibit...it was obvious from the off, to my relief, that the museum is now very much geared up towards children of all ages, designed by those that clearly have an understanding of the often simple things that kids love.
A happy visitor.
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Museum of Lancashire
Audience research and community consultation informed a successful c. £1million redevelopment scheme bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund in 2008/9. This was followed by community consultation on the design, content and layout of the proposed galleries. Further down the line, in 2010, families were invited to test prototype designs, activities and text panels in order to refine the offer. Observation techniques were also employed to gauge the nature and depth of family engagement with these prototypes. The Museum of Lancashire is now open and is delivering a high quality visitor experience.
Lisa Baxter was brought in to conduct community consultations early on in the planning of the Museum of Lancashire redevelopment project. Through feedback generated by the concept testing, consultation and prototype testing sessions we were able to refocus our plans for the Museum. This work formed the basis of the new gallery interpretations and helped us to see through the eyes of our potential new audiences to create a community focused, welcoming museum which is drawing fabulous feedback from our visitors.
Charlotte Steels, Assistant Keeper, Museum of Lancashire