Two museums in Leicester are offering a new immersive sound experience for visitors to enjoy. The sensory units have been installed at the Abbey Pumping Station and Leicester Museum and Art Gallery, and are funded by Arts Council England.
Immersive Soundscapes for a Moment of Reflection
The sensory units provide an array of soundscapes, including relaxing sounds and birdsong, offering visitors a chance to pause and reflect. These spaces are designed to immerse visitors in a sensory sound experience, inspiring and generally helping to improve wellbeing.
At the Abbey Pumping Station, a solar-powered installation has been set up in the Forget Me Knot dementia-friendly sensory garden. Visitors can choose between birdsong or sounds evoking the site’s industrial past. Leicester Museum and Art Gallery’s mobile installation encourages listeners to relax and immerse themselves in the venue’s collections.
Improving Wellbeing for Museum Visitors
The head of arts and museums at Leicester City Council, Joanna Jones, said, “Museums can be places of reflection, relaxation and inspiration for many people, and these sound posts are designed to create a space where people can pause for thought and enjoy the meditative soundtracks on offer.” She added, “In each case, it’s about creating a space where people can improve their wellbeing by taking a moment to reflect and enjoy the sounds.”
The sensory units are available to all museum visitors free of charge. The project aims to enhance the visitor experience and create a unique environment for relaxation and contemplation. The initiative has been warmly welcomed by visitors who have praised the calming and inspiring atmosphere created by the immersive soundscapes.
The new sensory units at Abbey Pumping Station and Leicester Museum and Art Gallery provide an innovative way for visitors to relax and immerse themselves in the collections. The project is part of a wider effort to improve the visitor experience and promote wellbeing.
