It is a fact that learning history may not be a very easy and often exhausting task. The number of dates and events can confuse even the most attentive. Not to mention that in order to analyze something that has already passed, it is necessary to detach from the present, because only then is it possible to have a full understanding of the facts that occurred. And a pleasant way to get to know history in a light and practical way is to visit museums.

Whoever has the habit of visiting museums knows that this is one of the best forms of culture and entertainment that exists. But there are different types of museums, such as natural, scientific and contemporary and modern art. Each of these types captivates a different audience.

Among so many types of museums, those that are gaining more and more space and standing out are those that present interactive works. This is largely due to technology, which has completely transformed the human way of life.

With technological advances and the change in people's behavior, many sectors within society had to reinvent themselves and of course these changes also impacted art as a whole. Works using digital resources have been increasingly common. Interactivity as an experience with art is a reality that is here to stay and museums focused on interactive exhibitions are proof of that.

Digital art and technology

It is no secret that art has been created through technology for a long time. This can be seen in photographs, woodcuts, cinema and even painting techniques. That is, the use of digital technologies by art is something more recent because they are digital, and not because they use technology in their creation process. Technology and art have always gone hand in hand.

One of the most famous examples of the use of technology in ancient art is the Renaissance artistic movement. It was during the 15th and 16th centuries that humanistic aspects began to be valued, considering man as a measure for all things. It was the technological advances of that phase that allowed the improvement of the artistic activities of the time. The technique of drawing linear perspective, the use of aerial perspective, painting on oil and the use of canvas as a support for painting originate from this historical and technological artistic movement.

It is interesting to analyze the transformations that art has undergone. Since when the caveman, where he used animal blood and seeds to produce his “paints” for cave paintings, to the present day, with virtual exhibitions placing the public almost literally inside the works, a lot has changed, but the essence remains the same, which is to get your message across.

Regardless of the technology of the time, art has manifested itself throughout history. We are currently experiencing the moment of digital technology and of course, once again, we can contemplate evolving art, appropriating digital technologies for the creation of works. The use of virtual reality in artistic manifestations is a good example.

The Coronavirus pandemic that the whole world has been experiencing has further highlighted the importance of digital technologies for art. After all, what is the use of museums and galleries that cannot receive their audience? Art is to be seen, to be felt, to be contemplated. Today, museums and arts centers that rely on interactive technologies are doing better in this great crisis. These are being crucial, many institutions are being challenged to reinvent themselves suddenly.

The results of this sad scenario have not been so sad. The art market as a whole has given a show in the task of adapting to the moment behind closed doors. A simple example is the online galleries, where the visitor can see all the pieces on display in the comfort of their home. It is important to know that there are digital tools that can help boost the museum market. You can check in this article each type of tool and its particularities.

Interaction as an experience with art

Interaction through art is when the viewer also becomes an “artist” or is part of the work. An example is virtual realities, where the visitor can enter the work, and often even interfere with it.

The use of technology is essential for the interaction to happen. Interacting with an artist and his work is an incredible experience and one that brings great learning to the public. Much more enriching than just enjoying a work, it is experiencing it.

Interactive museums that can be visited in Europe

Now that we've covered the concept of interaction in art, the role of interactive art and its impacts on the audience's experience, it's time to visit some interactive museums. We made a selection of the famous in Europe, shall we check?

Stedelijk Museum - Netherlands

It is not so easy to find an interactive museum with modern art. The Stedelijk Museum can mix these two things. That's why it tends to attract even people who don't have the habit of going to museums. The modern building has a unique collection, which brings together works by great painters such as Picasso, Van Gogh and Monet.

Despite the great works, the museum has itinerant exhibitions and many of them have interactive works.

For those who want to know more, the museum is located in the capital of Holland, in Amsterdam, and operates daily, from 10 am to 6 pm. Tickets cost 18.50 euros for adults and 10 euros for students.

The Postal Museum - England

Interactive art in the land of the Queen? Of course there is! The Postal Museum, is located in the city of London. The museum presents the 5 centuries of the history of communication. In one of the galleries there is an underground train ride, in an original tunnel.

Currently, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the museum is temporarily closed. But, it is worth saving this tip for when things return to normal.

Deutsches Technikmuseum - Germany

For technology lovers, there is a perfect museum in Berlin. The German Museum of Technology, or Deutsches Technikmuseum in German, is the museum that receives the most visitors in the German capital and is quite renowned among technology museums. The 26 thousand square meter structure has 19 permanent exhibitions and space for other scientific and technical exhibitions.

Among the permanent ones, there are aviation, energy engineering, chemical and pharmaceutical industry, beer history, navigation, film and photo technology, telecommunications and rail transport, among other super interesting topics.

Among the interactive works, the one that draws a lot of public attention is the navigation simulator. This simulator shows the public what it's like to be a captain of a ship for a few moments.

The museum is in Berlin and it is worth reserving a whole day to have fun and get to know it. The museum is open from Tuesdays to Fridays, from 9 am to 5:30 pm, and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 6 pm. That is, it is just not open on Mondays. The entrance fee is 8 euros for adults and 4 euros for children.

Cite des Sciences et de L'lndustrie - France

In Paris, you find the Cite des Sciences et de L'industrie. The museum tells about the history of science and industry. It is a super attraction, for both children and adults.

It was founded in the late 1980s in a beautiful building of contemporary architecture. As the name implies, the museum is not just a building, but a city. In other words, there are several complexes within this space, such as the City of Professions, the City of Children and the City of Health. In other words, the museum provides learning at different and relaxed moments.

The museum is in Paris and operates from 9:30 am to 6 pm. Currently, due to the pandemic, tickets must be purchased and booked on the museum's website. The values ​​vary between 9 and 12 euros.

Conclusion

It became clear that consuming art interactively can be a pleasant and enriching experience. The number of museum and gallery options that offer this experience grows every day. The forms of interaction range from online galleries, virtual reality and timelines, such as Timelinefy, which is a digital tool that makes it possible to tell stories and organize information in time chronologically, through the structure of timelines and which already has been a resource of some Portuguese museums.