Feelings in focus

In recent years, there has been an increasing move in cultural studies and the social sciences toward feelings and emotions. What is known as the “affective turn” is also interesting for museums in many ways. With themes such as a fear, shame, or joy, human emotions are becoming the focus of art, nature, and cultural exhibitions. In curatorial practice and education, experience is being discussed as a strategy, while exhibition design is engaging visitors in atmospheric and immersive spaces. At the same time, museological research is seeking to analyse the sometimes emotionalised or scandalised media coverage with the help of ongoing debates. Together with experts and based on the example of specific exhibitions, we will address the topic in its various facets: How can feelings be turned into a tangible theme and presented in a contemporary form? What potential do museums have as a space for experiences, and what possibilities does the medium of exhibition have to evoke emotional experiences? And how can an institution committed to science respond to emotionalised discussions?