Engaging with space in human rights and memorial museums

Abstract

The goal of this research is to describe ways in which newly constructed human rights and memorial (memory) museums utilize architecture and design to create emotionally engaging visitor experiences. Research sites, institutions with purpose-built facilities that opened to the public in the last year, include the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg, and the National September 11 Memorial Museum in New York City. Interviews and site visits illustrated several common themes, including building architecture and exhibit design that work together to tell a story, exhibit design that evokes emotion, immersion, and making personal connections with museum content.