The purpose of a museum is to bring meaning

In this episode of In Conversation with Tourists, Oana speaks with Evelyn, a recent University of Edinburgh graduate and the founder of TheiaMuse, an emerging app focused on travelling exhibitions.

Together, they explore how museums are changing, what happens to the collections that remain hidden in storage, and how new and more experimental exhibitions are being developed.

They also consider whether museums need to be packed with objects, information and historical detail, or whether a carefully designed experience can sometimes create a more meaningful connection.

Why do people visit museums? Do visitors really explore every room? What motivates us to enter, move through and spend time in these cultural spaces? Are we there to learn, to be entertained, to feel connected, or simply to find something that speaks to us?

At the heart of the conversation is Evelyn’s thoughtful observation:

“The purpose of museums is to find meaning.”

A reflective discussion about collections, curiosity, visitor behaviour and the future of the museum experience.