Interactive Exhibition at the Museum Žiemgala – Discovering Theodor Grotthuss
The interactive exhibition at the Museum Žiemgala allows visitors to experience the story of Theodor Grotthuss through engaging storytelling and a sensory educational experience.
In the 19th century, the small town of Žeimelis marked the beginning of a story that would later become a global milestone in science – it was here that Theodor Grotthuss was born, a scientist who laid the foundations for the study of electrolysis, photochemistry, and other physico-chemical phenomena. Although his name is known worldwide, it has remained too quiet in the town where his journey began.
To change this, the Pakruojis District Municipality initiated a unique project: to create a contemporary, interactive exhibition that tells the life story of Theodor Grotthuss in Žeimelis, a town near his hometown, Gedučiai. This is an invitation into the world of Lithuania’s renowned physical chemist, an authentic experience crafted by our interdisciplinary team, combining the expertise of Indeform Interactive and Indeform Digital.
The Žiemgala Museum, a key cultural center in Žeimelis, is a regional museum showcasing local history, natural heritage, and community memory. As the host of this interactive exhibition, the museum’s staff provided historical context and helped refine the exhibit details. We collaborated with historians and scientists to ensure historical accuracy.
Color schemes and materials were selected to help visitors focus and immerse themselves. The environment complements the story – every object serves a purpose in extending the scientist’s life narrative.
Designing visitor movement through the space became a core principle of the interactive exhibit. We designed an experiential path allowing visitors to discover Grotthuss’ story through the senses. This principle laid the foundation for two virtual reality solutions: the VR T. Grotthuss Laboratory and a VR T. Grotthuss expedition to Vesuvius. These VR experiences enrich the physical exhibition and create a seamless, immersive narrative.
To change this, the Pakruojis District Municipality initiated a unique project: to create a contemporary, interactive exhibition that tells the life story of Theodor Grotthuss in Žeimelis, a town near his hometown, Gedučiai. This is an invitation into the world of Lithuania’s renowned physical chemist, an authentic experience crafted by our interdisciplinary team, combining the expertise of Indeform Interactive and Indeform Digital.
The Client
The idea for the exhibition was initiated by the Pakruojis District Municipality, aiming to present Theodor Grotthuss’ legacy in a relevant way and expand the museum’s capability to create engaging cultural experiences.The Žiemgala Museum, a key cultural center in Žeimelis, is a regional museum showcasing local history, natural heritage, and community memory. As the host of this interactive exhibition, the museum’s staff provided historical context and helped refine the exhibit details. We collaborated with historians and scientists to ensure historical accuracy.
The Challenge
How do you tell the story of Theodor Grotthuss so that visitors not only learn but truly experience it? How do you design an environment that supports the narrative without competing with it? Using archival sources, we crafted an exhibition space reflecting early 19th-century aesthetics. Authentic furniture, writing desks, and document cabinets all represent the era and serve as storytelling tools.Color schemes and materials were selected to help visitors focus and immerse themselves. The environment complements the story – every object serves a purpose in extending the scientist’s life narrative.
Designing visitor movement through the space became a core principle of the interactive exhibit. We designed an experiential path allowing visitors to discover Grotthuss’ story through the senses. This principle laid the foundation for two virtual reality solutions: the VR T. Grotthuss Laboratory and a VR T. Grotthuss expedition to Vesuvius. These VR experiences enrich the physical exhibition and create a seamless, immersive narrative.
The Solution
Working closely with the museum team, we discussed visual design and practical space adaptation for educational tours, community events, and individual exploration. The interactive museum space adapts to diverse visitor needs, sparking curiosity and enabling personal connections to Grotthuss’ story.Value Created
- A unified physical and virtual narrative. The exhibition seamlessly blends the physical environment with VR experiences, transitioning from real-world artifacts to virtual worlds and back;
- Authentic period setting. The space transports visitors to the early 19th century, fostering natural engagement;
- Everyday usability. The exhibit accommodates various visits, from guided tours to solo exploration;
- Sustainable and adaptable design. The modular setup allows for the integration of new interactive elements without altering the core concept.