French Museums Embrace Multi-Sensory Experiences to Engage Visitors

To draw in a wider audience, French museums are implementing multi-sensory experiences. At the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, the exhibit "Une Journée au XVIIIe siècle" incorporates the scent of horse manure, reflecting Enlightenment ideals. Curator Ariane James-Sarazin explains that the ambient fragrances vary by room, enhanced by sound recreations from Mylène Pardoën. Other notable examples include La Piscine's olfactory explorations, Quai Branly's auditory tours, and Cluny's hypnosis sessions. In 2014, the Musée d'Art et d'Archéologie de Valence revamped its multi-sensory area, while the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon developed an olfactory trail with Givaudan. Claire Beyssac, a mediator, emphasizes the use of bespoke perfumes for artworks. Although scent technology can be expensive, sponsorships often cover costs. In 2023, the Musée de la Marine introduced multi-sensory features, highlighting the emotional significance of smell.