Closer to Memling
Musea Brugge, Brugge (BE), 2024
Five centuries ago, Hans Memling revolutionized the art world. Now, the Sint-Janshospitaal brings a new generation closer to this master than ever before with the Closer to Memling Experience.
Closer than ever
The Sint-Janshospitaal and Hans Memling are inseparably linked. This 15th-century master of hyper-realistic scenes and landscapes lived and worked in Bruges. He created four masterpieces specifically for the hospital, and together with three additional works, they can still be admired there today. Recently, these artworks were digitized into stunning high-resolution images, allowing visitors to explore countless details up close. These breathtaking visuals form the foundation of the Closer to Memling Experience.
Developed and tested together
The Closer to Memling Experience is designed for all art enthusiasts but pays special attention to children aged seven and up. To create a truly engaging experience, we worked closely with this young audience. Through focus groups, paper prototyping, and user testing, we gathered invaluable insights, resulting in a journey perfectly tailored to their curiosity and creativity.
A contemporary experience
in a medieval setting
In the medieval attic of the Sint-Janshospitaal, we’ve crafted a modern experience that respects the monumental space while connecting a young audience to this old master. Dynamic lighting, a composition inspired by polyphonic music from Memling’s era, and cutting-edge technology bring his masterpieces to life. In keeping with Memling’s style, visitors step into a colorful world full of intricate mini-stories that converge into a unique, interactive group artwork spanning nearly five by five meters.
A playful introduction to the master
Upon entering, visitors gather around the experience table. Here, interactive games reveal the secrets of the master, encouraging them to view his works with fresh eyes. Armed with their newfound knowledge and imagination, they add a personal twist to Memling’s creations. The highlight? Watching their masterpiece come to life as part of the enormous interactive group artwork.
Photos by Say Hey for Musea Brugge
“This is truly aimed at families, people who might not otherwise be very familiar with these masterpieces,
but who get to know them in a playful way.”
Nico Blontrock, schepen van Cultuur, HLN – 10 December 2024
Credits
Client
Musea BruggeContent Design
Studio LouterSpatial Design & Graphic Design
WonderingFilm & Interactive Media
ShoshoMusic
Frederik Neyrinck (‘Memling Echo’)Light Design
Chris Pype, lichtConstruction
AtentoHardware
Ocular
Press