The demand for 'Real' & Historic attractions

The trend for experiences has also been noted that this trend for families and multi-generational groups means that historical and real-world interest topics are now trending.  New museums are opening to service this demand, and existing museums have been revamping and refurbishing to capture this trend.

News from museums in the UK - 2021:

• Revamped Museum of the Home – Opening 2021
• Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein in Bath – Opening 2021
• The new Museum of Making in Derby. – Opening 2021
• The Manchester Jewish Museum has also undergone major renovations.

Around the world:

• National Museum of African American Music (US - Nashville) – Opened Jan 2021
• Academy Museum of Motion Pictures (US - Los Angeles) – Opening 2021
• M+ (Hong Kong) – Opening 2021
• Pudong Museum of Art (Shanghai)
• Grand Egyptian Museum (Cairo) now new opening date in 2021 (postponed from 2011 for a number of issues including the Arab Spring and the global pandemic)

A good example of an attraction maximising the opportunity of this ‘Experiential’ trend is Nottingham Castle which has had a refurbishment of £30m and is opening its doors again in June 2021. There has been much work taken place to capitalise on this trend and has now exhibits in a more immersive and technological interpretation of the Robin Hood story and so enhance the Guest Experience further.  It has been redeveloped by adding new galleries, a new visitor centre and other enhancements. Visitors will also enjoy an immersive multisensory experience in the Robin Hood Gallery as they explore the stories of the famous outlaw. Rebellion Gallery will delve into Nottingham’s role in the fight for democracy, representation, and fairness. Robin Hood Adventures offers a look at the heroic outlaw through interactive displays.  Outdoor experiences have been enhanced by the adventure playground called ‘Hood’s Hideout’ which features tunnels, slides and rope bridges to replicate Robin Hood’s hideout in Sherwood forest.

Bodmin Jail reopened to the public in 2020 following an £8.5 million makeover. The centrepiece of the experience is now the Dark Walk, which transports visitors back through Cornwall’s haunted past. Using AV and special effects technology including ghost illusions, wind, water and mechanical effects, synchronised with audio, video and lighting, the visitor experience has become more immersive and effective.