In recent times, I have highlighted several museum projects because we are witnessing an evolution in this type of institution as well—one that is radically transforming the way exhibition spaces have traditionally been perceived. Blending innovation, creativity, technology, and user-centered experiences, the new generation of museums is looking to the future, with a strong emphasis on engaging people.
This phenomenon is widespread on an international scale. Many initiatives are emerging in countries both large and small, indicating a trend that is likely to endure.
One of the most significant examples in Europe comes from Lithuania, where a new center dedicated to science and innovation has recently opened. This is not the traditional museum with display cases and descriptive panels: the primary goal here is to make knowledge accessible through hands-on experience.
The facility features over one hundred interactive installations designed to be touched, tested, and explored. Alongside these are laboratories focused on STEAM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), an immersive space for astronomical observation, and a calendar of cultural and educational events that support a dynamic approach to scientific content.
The center is built on a clear premise: to challenge the idea that entertainment and educational value must be mutually exclusive. The user is placed at the center of the learning process, in an environment where curiosity is encouraged and mistakes are seen as an essential part of discovery.
This is not merely about updating the traditional museum with some added technology; it is about rethinking from the ground up what a space for public engagement with science can and should be.
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