Inter.Aktion conference series

September 23–25, 2027

Exhibiting Hope

Interactive Exhibitions as Spaces of Empathy, Self-Efficacy and
Action

Climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation leave many people feeling anxious, powerless, and discouraged. How can museums and science centers not only inform, but also foster empathy, self-efficacy, and hope among their visitors? How can scientific knowledge be connected with a sense of orientation and opportunities for meaningful action? At Inter.Aktion 2027, we will explore together how interactive exhibitions can empower people to reflect, participate, and help shape a more sustainable future.

To the Program

Who We Invite

Whether in museums, science centers, or information centers, the term “interactive” is widely used in exhibitions. Equally diverse are the people who develop, design, operate, or research these interactive exhibition formats.

The conference is therefore intentionally aimed at everyone involved in creating and working with interactive exhibitions. Students from all exhibition-related study programs are also warmly welcome.

Die Ausstellung - Herzstück der experimenta

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Inter.Aktion 2025

Making Complexity Accessible To Everyone

Climate change, pandemics, artificial intelligence, and quantum technologies: How can we communicate current research and emerging technologies in ways that are accessible and understandable? The growing distance between scientific developments and many people’s everyday lives presents a major challenge, as do increasingly heated public debates. What role can interactive exhibitions and participatory formats play in this context? How can we avoid reinforcing misconceptions or unscientific ideas? And where do we reach the limits of what exhibitions can achieve?

These questions were explored and further developed through different talks, workshops, and a marketplace of ideas.

A Look back at the 2025 Conference (in German)

Inter.Aktion 2023

Encouraging Social Interaction Through Exhibitions

Visiting an exhibition is always a social experience. But what shapes and stimulates these social interactions? What role do interactive exhibits, targeted communication strategies, or new technologies play? Which research approaches can help us better understand social dynamics? And how can we support and encourage collaborative activities and shared knowledge creation?

The second Inter.Aktion conference explored these questions through a successful mix of presentations, workshops, inspiring practical examples, and high-level discussions.

Full documentation of the Inter.Aktion 2023 conference

Conference brochure download (PDF, 86.3 MB) (in German)

Inter.Aktion 2021

The 2021 conference aimed to develop a more precise understanding of the term “interactive.” More specifically, we sought to better understand the effects and impact of interactive exhibition formats, challenge our own practices through new approaches, and explore how interactivity in exhibitions can be systematically evaluated and studied.

High-profile talks provided the initial spark for a diverse dialogue. A lively debate reflected on and deepened the fundamental principles of exhibition practice. Workshops addressed many open questions in a concrete and hands-on way. Most importantly, however, the conference created space for meaningful conversations, professional exchange, and open dialogue within the marketplace of ideas.