CITY OF LAHTI
Experience concept and exhibition design of the main exhibition at Lahti Historical Museum
Lahti Historical Museum at Fellman Manor reopened its doors in the summer of 2024 after a long renovation. At the same time, the long-awaited and completely renewed main exhibition was opened in this historical and unique setting.
We created the ‘Favourable Place’ exhibition in close collaboration with the museum team and partners OiOi and Granlund, as well as scriptwriter Mikko-Olavi Seppänen. The same parties were involved in the exhibition’s design from concept to implementation and finalization. The exhibition was expected to offer diversity, immersive experiences, and opportunities for identification, as well as a new way to bring the manor building to life.
Approach
The initial concept design was mainly carried out as workshop-based co-creation using digital tools. The design process involved all key parties from the museum, the scriptwriter, and designers from various fields. In the concept phase we defined the core idea of the exhibition, the cornerstones of the experience, storytelling methods, functionalities, circulation, and visual aspects. Based on the concept we created a realistic description of the exhibition’s technological needs, a project plan, and a budget for the production phase.
The concept was brought to life in the exhibition design phase with the same team, which guaranteed that the final result was a coherent and successful whole, closely resembling the carefully planned concept. We continued the close collaboration between the various parties during the implementation phase of the exhibition. During the exhibition design phase, we further developed the plans to enhance accessibility, reduce museum objects, refine content, and coordinate with different designers.
In the project, we were responsible for the concept design, space and furniture design, and coordination and communication between designers. We also supported the client in procurement and construction phases.
Result
The historical setting of the museum building is utilized in the exhibition by dividing the space into six sections with different themes according to the room layout of the manor. Each room features strong distinct themes and atmospheres created through choices of colors and materials, lighting, soundscapes, and various immersive elements. A key element in each room is the digital windows, which open up views to past times through interactive screens embedded in the window recesses. Through the windows, visitors can look into the eyes of characters from different eras and learn about their daily lives and experiences through touch-activated content.
The exhibition can be explored through physical or digital means, either by casually browsing or delving deeper into selected information. Alongside immersive storytelling, the exhibition offers diverse opportunities for information dissemination, considering the needs of different target groups. Each room features touch screens that provide various perspectives on the cultural heritage of the Lahti area.
The exhibition also gives space to the people of Lahti and their personal experiences. For this participatory and changing content we designed modular furniture that will also be used in the museum’s second-floor exhibition.
An exhibition experience from concept to implementation, which opens up various historical stories of everyday life in Päijät-Häme, from the Ice Age to the present day.
“Pentagon Design produced an exhibition plan that makes excellent use of our spaces. The result is an impressive and immersive museum experience. The exhibition has received positive reviews from both visitors and our museum colleagues from across Finland. From the feedback, we can conclude that we are successfully conveying our intended message in a way that feels natural to us.”
– Ilkka Kuhanen, Exhibition Project Manager
The concept was brought to life during the exhibition design phase with the same team, which guaranteed that the final result was successful and true to the original idea.
