A comparative case study of the Maropeng Visitor Centre and the Origins Centre from the perspective of new media interactivity

Abstract

Postmodern museums challenge many of the more traditional concepts regarding what constitutes a museum. Concepts such as museums being places of contemplation or places that exhibit collected artefacts are no longer considered to be the primary attributes of museums. The idea of the museum as a collection of knowledge is beginning to take ground even though more traditional ideas are not necessarily rejected. As the focus has shifted towards the experience of the visitor in terms of education and entertainment, the display of artefacts supported by text is no longer considered to be essential to providing a meaningful experience for the visitor. Photography and film are now widely used to communicate information or ideas in museums. Less widely used, particularly in South Africa, are new media such as computer games and virtual reality. New media, because of its ability to engage people through its interactive nature provides a valuable communication tool for the museum environment. A comparison between two South African sites, The Maropeng Visitor Centre and The Origins Centre, reveals the value of new media for museums and the value of museums for education in the society at large.