Roman Baths announced as pilot museum for new research project

The Roman Baths in the city centre of Bath has been announced as a pilot museum for a ground-breaking research project.

It will test prototype resources and tools recently developed by The Sensational Museum, an AHRC-funded £1m interdisciplinary research project which 'radically re-thinks the role of the senses in museums and explores how these spaces can truly work for everyone'.

Using these resources will allow the Roman Baths to transform how visitors experience the site. The partnership offers the chance to explore how further senses can add to the richness of the experience for the visitors to the baths.

Councillor Paul Roper, Cabinet Member for Economic & Cultural Sustainable Development, Bath & North East Somerset Council said:

“We are thrilled to be working with the Sensational Museum as a pilot museum for this exciting and ambitious project. This could transform how museums interpret spaces and collections, and we can’t wait to see, hear, feel, or even smell how the senses can help bring our unique site to life for everyone.”

Professor Hannah Thompson (Royal Holloway, University of London), project lead for The Sensational Museum says:

“Many people want or need to access and process information in ways that are not only – or not entirely – visual. But museums are very sight-dependent places. Let’s imagine a museum experience that plays to whichever senses work best for you. The project aims to give all visitors inclusive, engaging, enjoyable and memorable experiences.”

Research and testing of new sensory experiences at the baths will take place over the next year.