Taizhou Museum turns history into interactive journey

An intangible cultural heritage workshop is held at Taizhou Museum. [Photo/Taizhou Daily]

Museums are increasingly moving beyond traditional displays, and in Taizhou, history is becoming something visitors can step into, interact with, and experience firsthand.

At Taizhou Museum, visitors are no longer limited to observing artifacts from behind glass cases. Instead, immersive storytelling, digital technology and hands-on activities are transforming the way people engage with the past.

One of the museum's most popular experiences is a role-playing program inspired by the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Set in carefully designed exhibition spaces, participants assume the role of investigators as they search for clues hidden among historical artifacts. Patterns on Ming-era garments, coded messages in family letters and details embedded in paintings all serve as pieces of a historical puzzle, encouraging visitors to actively explore and learn about the past.

Visitors wear VR headsets to experience an immersive digital exhibition at the Taizhou Museum. [Photo/Taizhou Daily]

Technology has played a major role in this transformation. Interactive screens bring historical figures to life through animation, while QR codes allow visitors to examine museum collections from every angle. Motion-sensing technologies can generate virtual models of visitors dressed in Ming-style clothing, and an XR virtual space on the museum's third floor transports guests into scenes from ancient China through virtual reality experiences.

Beyond exhibitions, Taizhou Museum has expanded its role as an educational and cultural platform.

Children regularly participate in workshops inspired by traditional crafts and intangible cultural heritage. Ancient papermaking, paper-cutting and traditional opera-themed activities have become part of the museum's educational programs.

The museum has also extended learning beyond its walls. Earlier, it organized field trips for families to an archaeological site in Xinghua, where participants explored excavation areas and artifact storage facilities. Children were given opportunities to learn how unearthed objects are cleaned, classified and studied.

At the same time, Taizhou Museum continues to strengthen international cultural exchanges. Earlier this month, a delegation from Samoa's Ministry of Education and Culture visited the museum. The two sides signed a memorandum of understanding on museum cooperation, opening new opportunities for cultural heritage exchanges and collaboration.