SCENT AS INTERPRETATION : A PRIMER FOR MUSEUMS AND CULTURAL HERITAGE

Museums have always told stories through what you see. But what about what you smell? This one-hour class is an accessible, engaging introduction to olfactory museology, or the practice of using scent as an interpretive tool in museums, cultural institutions, and heritage spaces. Whether you are a museum professional curious about multisensory engagement, an educator exploring new approaches to cultural interpretation, or simply someone fascinated by the power of smell, this class is your entry point into a growing and genuinely exciting field.

 In one hour, you will not only gain a deeper appreciation for how your senses contribute to knowledge, but you will gain a clearer understanding of what olfactory museology is and how it works in practice. You will be introduced to the concept of olfactory heritage - why smell is a legitimate and significant part of our history - and explore case studies for how scent has been used intentionally and effectively in museum contexts around the world. The course will leave you with practical insights, fresh inspiration, and a clearer sense of how to apply scent as a tool for interpretation rather than novelty.

 Who this class is for:

This class is open to anyone. No prior knowledge of museology, heritage practice, or scent is required. Museum professionals, educators, designers, researchers, heritage practitioners and curious learners are all welcome. 

A focused, content-rich hour with a leading practitioner in olfactory museology and olfactory heritage. Expect clear, intelligent teaching that takes the subject seriously without making it inaccessible. While this is not an exhaustive course, it will provide a strong foundation, introduce key concepts, and help you identify where to go next in developing your knowledge of this topic. A list of multisensory materials will be shared to students before attending.