What happens when the audience is allowed to influence the exhibition? In November 2010, 2000 Swedes (age 12-74) were randomly selected to participate in a survey about the greatest innovations ever. This survey was the starting point for the exhibition 100 innovations at Tekniska museet - National Museum of Science and Technology in Stockholm. The aims of this exhibition were to discuss and highlight innovations and creativity in a new manner by means of co-creation in curating.
▪ 100 innovations opened in February 2012, but the development of the exhibition did not stop there. A digital bridge, influencing the content in real time, was created. The survey continues on site as well as on the web. Votes and nominations are compiled in a database, and rankings for each innovation on display are continuously updated in the exhibition and on the web. Nominations may result in new innovations on display.
Another distinguishing feature of the exhibition is that visitors can choose the level of detail – from ‘little genius’ to ‘nerd’ – and find a large collection of text, audio and visual materials accessible both in the exhibition and on line.
▪ 100 innovations was a step to bring Tekniska museet into the 21st century. It was also ment to create a visually arresting, thought-provoking, and independent exhibition in dialogue with the audience. It was meant to tickle the mind and create emotion-based bonds with the visitors.
▪ So - what happened? How did people’s input influence the exhibition? Did they enjoy participating - or did they feel like cooking their own meal at a restaurant? How did the idea attract sponsors and collaborators? What were the consequences to the museum - to the curator’s perspectives, thoughts, processing and future?
