The winners of the ideas competition were announced on July 2. Salzburg Research’s IdeaSpace ideas platform hosted the competition on behalf of the Salzburg Open-Air Museum. The winning ideas will help further develop the museum’s initiatives and provide visitors with an even more immersive experience.

The Salzburg Open-Air Museum is constantly expanding its offerings for visitors and sought the most exciting digital ideas from current and future guests. The ideas competition on the IdeaSpace platform, operated by Salzburg Research, focused on improving the museum experience.

The ways to make a visit to the Salzburg Open-Air Museum an even more immersive experience were looked for. One focus was the use of new technologies. Multiple ideas were submitted on the following topics:

• Offers at the museum
• Offers before and after the visit
• Communication between the museum and visitors
• Visitor services
• Other

The best 5 ideas were rewarded

Many creative minds submitted innovative ideas to improve the visitor experience at the museum. Ultimately, the expert jury selected five winning ideas. Christina Steinböck’s idea, “The Creators Lab at the Salzburg Open-Air Museum,” won the community vote. The official ranking was announced during an online speed networking event.

The following ideas were chosen as winners:

Orchard Discovery Trail by MichaelS (1st Place)

The idea aims to demonstrate a more sustainable approach to food production and harvesting. By planting fruit trees on the grounds of the Open-Air Museum, the way the food was harvested, processed, and prepared in the past can be demonstrated. This practice also raises awareness of the possibility of producing and storing fruit individually.

“The jury was impressed by the idea of a “Orchard Discovery Trail” because it addresses an important theme of the Salzburg Open-Air Museum: the connection between nature and culture. […] Overall, the jury sees great potential in the idea of a “Orchard Discovery Trail” for understanding the past and present and shaping the future.“

– Michael Weese, Former director of the Salzburg Open-Air Museum

Open Air Escape Room by selinbilgun

This is a physical and digital escape room experience located within the museum. To return to the present, visitors must solve puzzles based on rural life in the 19th century. Digital tools immerse people in the historical environment.

“The project impresses with its combination of an analog museum experience and digital technology. It transforms the traditional museum format into an interactive, playful learning environment that allows visitors to immerse themselves in historical scenarios. Integrating digital tools creates an immersive experience that imparts knowledge and inspires lasting enthusiasm.“

– Sabine Fauland, Management, Austrian Museum Association, Graz/Vienna

Ancient Skills – New Talents by Elke

The idea is to digitize and preserve old practical knowledge by combining digital technologies, practical instructions, and on-site exercises. For example, visitors to the museum could learn about traditional crafts, such as embroidery, folk art painting, or beekeeping, through on-site courses or recorded videos.

“This concept illustrates how intangible cultural heritage can be preserved, documented, and shared with a broader audience in a simple and accessible way. Combining personal knowledge transfer from older experts with digital recording creates a valuable bridge between generations.“

– Chloé Zimmermann, Architect, co-founder of The Agami Project, India/Austria

Salzburg Memory Treasure by Klaus Bernkopf

An interactive digital platform collects personal memories, knowledge, and stories about rural life in Salzburg from visitors and links them to museum objects. Visitors can upload their family stories, photos, videos, and audio files before, during, or after their visit and connect them to specific buildings, tools, or traditions within the museum.

“This idea brings our collection objects to life. They are, in a sense, “charged” with personal memories and experiences that are preserved and made tangible for future generations. This is a valuable addition to our existing database of objects.“

– Brigitte Bremer, Managing Director, Association for the Promotion of the Salzburg Open-Air Museum

Collaborations with “New Media” by Leo Fürst

The idea is to increase the museum’s reach and visibility by collaborating with YouTube channels, podcasts, and streamers that focus on history. Although museums are generally serious institutions focused on imparting knowledge and intellectual value, this collaboration could be more subtle, with entertainment taking center stage.

“The museum contributes its wealth of stories and tangible and intangible cultural heritage. Content creators then translate this content into stories and language that resonate with their audience. This collaboration leverages the strengths of both parties.“

– Andreas Geis, Head of Promotion, Member of the Executive Board, Foundation for Art, Culture and History, Winterthur, Switzerland

Congratulations to the winners and good luck with your future ideas!

Be a part of something big – it’s that easy!

Salzburg Research’s IdeaSpace ideas platform is all about your ideas! Help us solve questions and problems by submitting your ideas, working on ideas with other creative minds, and getting honest feedback. We welcome everyone, because good ideas know no boundaries! Discover the power of the network that connects you with like-minded people, experts and exciting institutions and companies.
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