MuseumNext 2016: Is virtual reality for chickens the best way to ignite interest in science?
In his last day as CEO of Science Gallery International, Michael John Gorman addressed delegates at MuseumNext in Dublin, demonstrating how to use the abstract – such as virtual reality for chickens – to start a debate within a museum setting.
Starting as a small part of Trinity College Dublin and now growing as a global network which will comprise eight galleries worldwide by 2020, Gorman has shaped the institution as its founding director and then CEO into an attraction that welcomes more than 400,000 people annually.
“The Trinity College decided to do a very bold experiment in 2007 – to create a space where unique ideas could be tested,” said Gorman. “It was a space that connected Trinity with the city.
“We talk about Science Gallery as a place where science and art collide. It was a real journey to get the scientists to get on board with this idea. Originally it was a space designed to teach the ‘ignorant public’ the truth of science. We had to go on a real journey with scientists to say that it was about opening up science and the future to conversation at the boundaries between science and art.”
Gorman then detailed several unique concepts that have been displayed at the Science Gallery, a project known as “Second Livestock” among the most unique.
“It’s virtual reality for chickens,” said Gorman explaining the project. “I think it’s a wonderful example of a project that provokes you and makes you think about what kind of future we want to live in. The idea is that battery chickens or battery hens could feel like free range chickens in VR. It’s great because it brings you into that space of conversation about what kind of world and what kind of industry do we want to have? It’s a conversation provocation.”
What Gorman said was at the heart of Science Gallery’s success, as exemplified by Second Livestock, is the institution’s three main principles when developing new concepts and exhibits.
Our core principals for everything we do at the Science Gallery are connection, participation and surprise,” he said.
“Every experience should offer a new opportunity for social connection. Participation is the idea that Science Gallery is the opportunity to get involved and to contribute, rather than just learn about what is going on in science and in art.
“Surprise – capturing people’s imagination – is the most difficult to sustain. Last week at the groundbreaking for Science Gallery London they decided ‘forget the pick axes and the shovels, let’s create a crystal made out of spit’. Everyone spat into a bucket and an artist will transform that into a crystal which will then become part of the foundation of the Science Gallery in London. That’s something rather unexpected I think you’ll agree and that’s what we mean by surprise.”
Gorman now moves on to a new role as professor at Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich and as founding director of the Bavarian Museum of Life Sciences and Natural History.
He remains involved with Science Gallery, becoming founding chair of the executive council of the Global Science Gallery Network, where he will work directly with the directors of each gallery in the emerging network.
Virtual Reality hickens Science Galleries Dublin MuseumNext 2016 Michael John Gorman Trinity College Dublin Science Gallery InternatioalMuseumNext 2016: Use museums as a tool for social change, says National Museums Liverpool director
MuseumNext names Burning Man CEO Marian Goodell as keynote speaker
All-star lineup revealed for MuseumNext in Dublin
MuseumNext prepares to make North American debut in Indianapolis
Revealed: How Minecraft can get more kids into museums and galleries
BIG unveils Eve Music Hall as Croatia venue nears completion
Bob Rogers hands BRC to long-serving leadership team
Wellness care hospital opens in Vilnius with innovative spa and hospitality concept
Universal and Puy du Fou projects point to rise of Oxford–Cambridge corridor
A proposed Puy du Fou development near Bicester and Universal Destinations and Experiences’ planned resort in Bedford are emerging as part of a wider transformation of the Oxford–Cambridge Growth Corridor into a major centre for UK leisure and tourism investment.
For years, the corridor has been associated primarily with science, technology, housing and university-led economic growth. However, the clustering of large-scale visitor attraction projects along the
All-inclusive eco-wellness development Auko to open near Vietnam’s Son Doong caves
Shedd Aquarium upgrades its visitor experience with new Immersion Theater
Shedd Aquarium has opened the Immersion Theater developed in partnership with SimEx-Iwerks, as part of a wider strategy to enhance the guest experience and create additional revenue opportunities.
The attraction has transformed the aquarium’s Phelps Auditorium into a multi-sensory venue combining panoramic projection, environmental effects and interactive technology.
A new pre-show area allows visitors to engage with augmented reality marine animals before entering the
Mandarin Oriental announces standalone Mansions-branded residences for Abu Dhabi
MCR is planning a luxury hotel for London's BT Tower
Joy as a radical act: Yinka Ilori launches solo exhibition celebrating the rebellious power of spreading happiness
Work gets underway on Madrid's €800 million leisure complex
Work is underway in Madrid on one of Europe’s most significant multi-functional complexes, combining sport, entertainment, culture and education.
The €800 million initiative to regenerate the former Olympic Aquatic Centre in the north-east of the city, next to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium, is being led by Barsento – a joint venture between Live Nation Entertainment, Oak View Group and Atlético de Madrid. The project will
Therme Manchester reveals 90:90 strategy – 90 per cent of the UK population within a 90-minute drive of a Therme
Four Seasons’ Naples Beach Club opens 2,800sq m Sanctuary spa inspired by indigenous Calusa people
Orient Express Corinthian to host Ocean Rebirth wellness retreat in collaboration with Guerlain
Famed London nightclub, Tramp, launches Tramp Health
First look: Miraval opens on the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia
Hainan Science Museum by Ma Yansong, opens in China
A new science museum has opened to the public in Haikou after attracting more than 350,000 visitors during a four-month soft opening period.
Designed by Ma Yansong and his practice MAD Architects, the Hainan Science Museum is located on the edge of Wuyuan River National Wetland Park and has already recorded peak attendance of more than 5,800 visitors in a single day.
Commissioned by
Zannier Île De Bendor launches with design by Hardel Le Bihan Architectes
Sæl Spa readies for launch in London: “a modern British sanctuary”
Immersive art bathhouse Submersive announces debut location in Austin
Construction begins on regenerative wellness destination The Shenandoah Nature Resort
Royal Caribbean reveals record-breaking cruise ship
V&A East opens in London
David Geffen galleries open at LACMA
New venue The Lands by Capella includes a longevity centre to complement sister hotel Capella Sydney
World of Frozen launches at Disneyland Paris
Pical Resort by Valamar reveals first Croatian spa under the ESPA brand
Mandarin Oriental creates end-to-end Egyptian journey with two new hotels and first-ever luxury river cruise
Designers Mendil + Meyer launch new division called Lām Concepts for strategic wellness projects
Wilderness Bisate in Rwanda reveals brand’s second Sanctuary spa
4a Architekten shares details of wellness extension at Salinarium Bad Dürkheim Thermal Spa
Designed to restore neglected land and renew the identity of Iraq’s capital city, Baghdad Sustainable Forests promises a new way of living surrounded by nature. Gensler’s Ian Mulcahay tells us why he thinks the project could become a model for the repair and enhancement of urban centres
