Provost Skene’s House
We were commissioned to give a new lease of life to Provost Skene’s House, the oldest surviving townhouse in Aberdeen dating from 1545. We developed the building as an exciting new visitor attraction celebrating 100 pioneering people of Aberdeen and the North-East of Scotland who have shaped the city and helped to transform the world. Spread over four floors, there are 12 themed galleries which explore all kinds of people from scientists, singers and sportspeople to authors, inventors and actors – game-changers across the generations.
Client
Aberdeen City Council
Services
Interpretation Planning
Research and Copywriting
Exhibition Design
Graphic Design
Digital Design
Interactive Design
Wayfinding and Signage
Shop Design
Project Management
Scottish Design Awards
Finalist, 2022
“One of the coolest (if not THE coolest) museums I’ve ever been to! A great place to take kids. The museum is very interactive, with games, activities, and things to listen to, watch, and touch. It’s very hands-on history! But you will also learn about physics, medicine, engineering, fashion, literature, and language.”
Visitor Review
Approach
The new displays are highly interactive and combine museum objects, graphics, film and digital content with hands-on games and activities, designed to appeal to a broad family audience. The displays encourage visitors to explore individual stories as well as discovering how Aberdeen evolved as a city. We developed the ground floor vaults as a Hall of Heroes, with those honoured selected by public vote. Combining digital animations projected onto a number of busts with a specially commissioned soundtrack, the Hall of Heroes creates an immersive experience and will be updated as new heroes are voted into the gallery.
Interactive engagement
From Scientific Saviours to International Trailblazers, from Stars of Stage and Screen to World Innovators, each of the 12 galleries has been designed to respond to its individual theme. Displays include a discovery table where visitors can get hands-on with different interactives as they explore Aberdeen’s World Firsts, from the invention of the pneumatic tyre to the world’s first colour photo. A multitouch screen in World Life Savers encourages learning through game play inspired by some of the city’s most celebrated medical pioneers, while a light up jigsaw allows visitors to learn about the exotic goods which the Chivas Brothers imported to their Aberdeenshire shop in the 1840s.
“Jaw-dropping delights are everywhere in Provost Skene’s House. This is not an insular or parochial affair. It is global in its reach and far-reaching in its scope of human achievement.”
Press & Journal
“I love it. My kids love it. You’re going to love it! It tells the stories of over 100 people and their amazing achievements. It’s just a brilliant attraction.”
Jo Robinson, Regional Director, Visit Scotland
Research and content development
The displays feature 100 people, both historic and contemporary. We undertook extensive research to develop the content and deliver the stories in dynamic and engaging ways. We worked with a panel of expert advisors to select candidates for the displays and developed the overall narrative which brings the experience together.
“We were excited to be able to work with Studioarc on a total rethink for Provost Skene’s House. The outcome has reinvigorated the building and makes a wonderful addition to the city’s cultural offer.”
Helen Fothergill, Service Manager Archives, Gallery & Museums, Aberdeen City Council
