The Forum of Slavic Cultures, in cooperation with the Regional Museum Koper, the European Museum Academy (EMA), and the LETS Museum of Literature in Trieste, organized the 17th International Summer School of Museology PIRANOVA in Koper between 25 and 28 May. This year’s edition was held under the title Museum Laboratory No. 1: Interpretation with Words and Technology, with a focus on contemporary approaches to museum interpretation. The programme brought together 11 lecturers from Slovenia, Italy, Serbia, Sweden, and the Czech Republic, who addressed the role of museums in communicating information to visitors, as well as its interpretation and further communication, through lectures, discussions, and workshops.
The Monday programme, dedicated to interpretation through contemporary digital technologies, began with a lecture by René Capovin (musil – Museum of Industry and Labour, Brescia), who presented research on visitor experience and projects measuring emotional responses in museums. Massimo Negri (EMA) spoke about the “attention economy” in museums and the challenges of interpretation in the competition for visitors’ attention. Henrik Zipsane (EMA) addressed the issue of digital reconstructions and the authenticity of cultural heritage. In the afternoon, we walked from the museum to the newly opened passenger terminal, where we reflected on how to invite and attract visitors and tourists to museums and bring them closer to cultural heritage content.
The programme continued with three lectures focusing on practical application. Cristina Fenu (LETS – Literature Trieste) presented the role of sound, voice, and digital approaches in the literary museum. Matevž Straus (Arctur) introduced the possibilities of using XR and 3D technologies in heritage interpretation, while Andreja Rihter (Forum of Slavic Cultures) concluded with an emphasis on the role of museum awards and interpretative tools in the work of young curators.
In Tuesday’s programme, the focus was placed on the role of words and language. Riccardo Cepach first presented the work of the LETS Museum. Marko Bonin (Regional Museum Koper) spoke about the importance of multilingualism in museum practice in Koper, while Pavel Douša (National Museum of Agriculture Prague / Kačina Castle) reflected on language in museums and the relationship between museums, texts, and visitors. Urška Purg (MUZA / ICOM Slovenia) highlighted the role of language in shaping identity and emotional exhibition narratives. Kristjan Sedej (Moderna galerija, Ljubljana) discussed language in contemporary art and new interpretative models based on open meanings. In the afternoon, a workshop followed, building on the visit to the passenger terminal – participants worked on developing strategies for engaging different target groups to visit museums.
The programme concluded the following day with an excursion to Trieste, where participants, at the LETS Museum and during a literary walk with Riccardo Cepach, explored the relationship between space, language, and the interpretation of heritage.
PIRANOVA – the International Summer School of Museology is a meeting point for young professionals at the beginning of their careers and experienced museum practitioners alike. It provides a space for dialogue on contemporary museology while also fostering the exchange of new ideas and perspectives in a relaxed and inspiring atmosphere. We were delighted by the strong interest and active participation that characterized this year’s edition of the school.
