Futures Workshop for the Badisches Landesmuseum
What does a museum look like that will still be relevant in twenty years – for society, the city, and its visitors? That was the core question of the futures workshop I conducted in collaboration with the Badisches Landesmuseum in Karlsruhe. In the span of one afternoon, over 20 local citizens created visions for the museum of the future – going beyond traditional exhibition concepts. After a brief introduction to futures research methods, we moved straight into collaborative work: participants explored megatrends, discussed opportunities and risks, and developed both future headlines from the year 2040 and concrete ideas for a “5-star museum experience.” The results envisioned an inclusive, immersive, and socially relevant museum – open, networked, and participatory. The discussions revealed that museums should not only preserve history but also spark debates, inspire, and open new perspectives. Critical reflections also emerged – such as concerns about the risk of “eventization” or the tension between innovation and authenticity.
The format allowed room for both: bold utopias and realistic concerns. The outcomes are feeding into the museum’s internal strategy work – including preparations for the upcoming renovation. For me, the workshop was a strong example of how participation at eye level can succeed: through clear methods, open dialogue, and a willingness to engage productively with even controversial issues.
