Museums are forever having to find new ways to capture the attention and imagination of their visitors.

The modern generation is accustomed to seeking information online. The idea of going to a museum or library to exercise curiosity has become foreign to many. Digital signage for museums represents a welcome embrace of technology in a stereotypically conservative sector. It has numerous innovative uses, therefore we’ve listed some of our favourites below.

1. Welcome messaging

Museum admission can be a tricky process to manage, with popular museums receiving hundreds, sometimes thousands, of visitors every day. This complexity is reinforced by the prominence of large groups (who are often children) and the variety of languages spoken. Digital signage for museums brings order to what can be a chaotic process. Welcome messaging is an effective way to communicate information, such as admission pricing and opening hours. There is no better time to promote particular exhibitions than when guests are waiting in line! Notably, screens can display content in multiple languages, which is essential when it comes to health and safety information or even the location of the toilets.

2. Exhibition video and images

Museum digital signage can be the perfect companion to an exhibition. Often the most effective exhibitions are those that combine a number of mediums to educate the audience. Today, video is without a doubt our favourite way to consume content, therefore implementing screens or video walls is an engaging way to support a museum display. Young audiences in particular are far more likely to engage with a short video than a wall of written information.  When it comes to capturing attention, dynamic digital signage is more effective than static posters that are limited by space. With digital signage, museums can create floor and wall layouts that help your audience explore each exhibition series in your museum. In this way, our displays take exhibits from traditional 2D images to more immersive 3D visuals that leave a lasting impression on your target audience.  Such displays aren’t meant to replace historically significant art pieces. Instead, you can use digital signage to tell the story behind paintings, sculptures, and other physical manifestations of creativity. 

3. Interactive learning

Many of us learn best through a hands-on approach. Interactive learning is perfect for museums, given the large number of young audiences. When it comes to educating students or young families, interactive digital signage is an unparalleled solution for museums.  Most museums utilise some kind of visitor pass. Combining this with RFID tag technology enables visitors to interact with exhibition screens through the increasingly familiar motion of ‘tapping’. RFID tags can be used to trigger content on screens, allowing presentations to reload/start for new visitors. QR codes are another popular technology that’s well-suited to museums. QR codes allow visitors to download content directly to their mobile devices. Innovative museums can use this technology to educate. Rather than taking countless photos or scribbling down notes, visitors can download content that can be accessed at a later date, whenever is convenient for the user. Finally, a number of museums are deploying screens with integrated cameras to entertain audiences. Taking photos of museum displays has been popular since the invention of the camera, and in the age of the ‘selfie’ and Instagram, this is only becoming more integral to a visitor’s experience. Digital signage for museums opens up countless possibilities on this front. For example, Snapchat-style filters on a screen could allow visitors to pose in period dress. A natural history museum might invite visitors to pose with dinosaurs and so on. Integrating a camera feature into your digital signage helps create audience engagement and interactions, whilst giving visitors a great memento to go home with.

4. Wayfinding assistance

Museum digital signage can serve an important wayfinding function. Getting lost in a museum or not being able to find the exhibition you came to see can detract from a visitor’s experience. A network of screens can be used to offer directions to different exhibitions, this is particularly valuable for sites spanning multiple floors. Furthermore, digital signage can help with crowd trafficking, as flows can be controlled by manipulating where screens direct visitors. A great solution is our touchscreen wayfinding kiosks, which also offer a search function.  Users can then receive tailored directions to the exhibits they wish to see. Implementing wayfinding screens into your museum management strategy will help create a more seamless guest experience. Think about it this way. Entering a museum for the first time can be both exciting and overwhelming. With digital signage, you can help guests overcome some of these sentiments while also directing them to the most impactful and engaging exhibits.  Strategically installing wayfinding screens throughout the museum can be especially valuable during major events, such as fundraisers. Take advantage of this opportunity to modernise and streamline the visitor experience. 

5. Visitor analytics

Visitor analytics is a cornerstone of the aforementioned interactive capabilities of digital signage for museums. Recording admission numbers is a high priority for museums. Beyond taking the numbers walking through their doors, gathering data can be difficult. With the introduction of RFID tags in visitor passes, visitors can be tracked like never before. These devices allow museums to record the footfall to different locations around the site, whilst monitoring the level of interaction visitors have with particular exhibits. This information will prove invaluable to museums trying to positively shape their visitor experience.

6. Virtual Reality Digital Signage

Digital signage can transform traditional exhibits into immersive experiences that help drive engagement and encourage learning by leveraging the power of virtual reality (VR). VR software makes exhibits far more engaging through dynamic, interactive and three-dimensional (3-D), video and imagery.  Gallery digital signage with VR software can be incorporated into your museum in numerous ways. Some of the best uses involve elevating social events, enabling users to explore the history behind art displays, and offering guided tours. 

7. Event Promotion 

Digital media displays aren’t just for making your exhibits more immersive. Gallery digital signage can also create a better dynamic at social events and help promote upcoming experiences at the museum.  For instance, you could install digital displays along the wall and floor to create a sneak peek of what your next major gallery will look like. If you really want to elevate the experience, consider using touch options that allow users to explore various events and exhibits that the museum plans to launch. 

Discover Our Digital Signage Solutions

At TrouDigital, we design solutions that create an immersive experience for museum guests. Time and again, our touchscreen media displays have been used to support the art industry and enhance exhibits for new audiences.  Check out our digital signage hardware and integrate these digital exhibits into your museum’s portfolio. We have several options and equipment series, allowing us to meet the design needs of your museum.  Visit our Features page. Why not get in touch to find out more? Call – 02380 981110 or Email Us – info@troudigital.com