On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Folklore Museum, located in the estate Monatsschlössl Hellbrunn, Salzburg, we were asked to re-design the permanent exhibition. Objects that were already included in the first exhibition as early as 1924 were presented in a new way and showcased in a contemporary light.

Our new design for the exhibition architecture focuses on the premises and explores the many ways of showcasing the exhibits and the nature of collection and preserving.

Each of the seven themed areas is explored on three levels in terms of both content and design: first, the presentation of the original folkloristic exhibits, second, the historical examination of the collection and third, a contemporary look at the groups of objects. The thematic areas are complemented by another, participatory level that actively involves visitors in the exhibition by posing various questions and tasks.

Aiming to visualize and illustrate the collecting activities of the Folklore Museum, we used grid design that recalls the organizational structures that govern a museum’s depot. This grid runs through the entire exhibition as an abstract and striking presentation of the collection – and as a reference to the diversity of the objects and collection areas. The deliberately empty spaces symbolize the growing collections of the Folklore Museum.

The exhibits are presented in a variety of ways and allow for multiple possibilities to interact, making use of drawers, pull-out index cards, screens and audio stations. Visitors can also use a research table with interchangeable Plexiglas frames of the various exhibition layouts over the years.

Planning phase: five months
Scope: Concept | design planning | production plan | development and implementation of the graphical concept
Completion: April 2024
Dimension: 120 m2
Commissioned by: Salzburg Museum GmbH