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The two completely redesigned permanent exhibitions "Democracy as a way of life" and "No. 1 - the Head of State" in the Theodor Heuss Haus in Stuttgart provide a detailed insight into the life and work of the first Federal President and his wife Elly Heuss-Knapp as well as the highest political office and the tasks associated with it.

In collaboration with the Eydos agency, Realtime Visions has created an interactive exhibition installation for the Federal President Theodor Heuss House Foundation and integrated a corresponding media guide. This enables visitors to immerse themselves in an in-depth and multifaceted thematic world that can be experienced and understood through a variety of presentations and interactive possibilities.

The exhibitions were opened in a ceremony with Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in May 2023. Since October of the same year, a plaque issued by the Society for the Study of the History of Democracy has officially recognised the museum as a "Place of the History of Democracy".

Interactive diversity

Around 50 interactive media and audio stations have been developed in close consultation with the curators, ranging from explorative map views, interactive quiz formats and opinion polls to scenic installations.

A concise media and interaction concept combines the individual installations in a uniform visual appearance that reflects the aesthetics of the exhibition design and integrates harmoniously into the rooms designed by the exhibition design office.

Visitors are thus able to operate the various systems as a matter of course and can fully immerse themselves in the content on display.

Making the tangible tangible

Physical elements make digital content tangible in the truest sense of the word. At the media station on Basic Law, physical tokens represent the "pillars" of our constitution and provide a haptic introduction to the topic. By navigating with a small touchscreen, the individual points can be examined more closely and experienced in the form of animated explanatory films on a curved screen. Visitors are actively involved by being asked questions about their personal views.

An old telephone provides an acoustic surprise: when approached, it rings and, when the receiver is picked up, gives visitors "writing assignments" that they can carry out on the adjacent typewriter.

Authentic, historical objects are also turned into interactive exhibits in other areas, using modern technology. An old radio "broadcasts" historical audio recordings to the visitors' media guides at the touch of a button. And even old tube monitors have been brought back to life by updating their inner workings with new technology.

On entering the "No. 1 - the Head of State" exhibition, visitors themselves become "Federal Presidents" and are greeted with a standing ovation, a reaction triggered by sensors as soon as visitors walk in a certain direction. This event is shown on a large-format portrait monitor. The associated video material was recorded in the ballroom of the Würzburg Residence, with extras in appropriate clothing ensuring authenticity.

Complex topics presented in a child-friendly form

The station on children's rights is undoubtedly a special digital experience as part of the children's trail - the content level of the exhibitions especially designed for young visitors. Here, charmingly designed animations with charismatic characters present the key aspects of children's rights in a child-friendly way by presenting the information both in animated sequences and in an interactive quiz format.

Media Guide

The already mentioned media guide creates a link between the visitors and the media stations. By scanning a QR code or entering specific number combinations, guests can listen to audio content via the corresponding headphones, which are synchronised with the visual content on the screens. The guide also makes it possible to call up more detailed information and transcripts, or to concentrate on audio-only content for the exhibits.

One highlight is the selection of specific tours that guide visitors through the exhibition. The child-friendly tour with its quiz is particularly noteworthy.

In terms of design, the system blends harmoniously into the design of the media stations.

EXTERIOR EFFECT

Outside the museum, passers-by are given a first glimpse of the exhibition. Two large-format screens within a glass construction show images of exhibits and interior views and draw the eye into the exhibition space below. The content of the screens can be easily changed and thus always show suitable content, for example on special exhibitions or events.

This also applies to the information screen at the entrance, where opening times, prices and other information can be found.

Modular System Structure

Technically, the systems are based on a proven framework from Realtime Visions, whose modular structure allows for the standardisation of functional components across all systems. This ensures that updates can be reliably transmitted to all relevant systems. The systems are centrally controlled and managed and can be updated remotely as needed. This way, the content of the exhibition can always be kept up to date.

The reliable continuous operation of the systems includes automatic switching on and off at scheduled times. For special occasions and events, individual presentations are also possible.

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Facts

For / Stiftung Bundespräsident-Theodor-Heuss-Haus

Location / Stuttgart

Year / 2023

Area / Interactive Experiences

Services / 

Media Technic Planning / Conception / Screendesigns / Animations / Audio Production / Video Shoot / Video Editing / Software Development / Installation / Support

Photos: Janos Wlachopulos & Stiftung Bundespräsident-Theodor-Heuss-Haus | Franziska Kraufmann