Effects of applied music originally composed for museums on visitor experience: Results of a pilot study in the Museum of Science and Technology in Belgrade

Abstract

Originally composed music for museum applications (synomusic) is an innovative approach in presenting museum exhibits and attracting audience. However, its use is underdeveloped and the same is evident for related researches. Our pilot research aimed to explore the effects of such music on visitor experience in the Museum of Science and Technology in Belgrade. The study included surveys before (silent condition, SC) and after (music condition, MC) applying music in the museum spaces (N = 310 in total), as well as in-depth interviews in MC (N = 22). The results showed that the original, applied music improved the general experience of museum visits. The music, seen as an inseparable element of the experience, worked in interaction with the exhibits and the venue to liven up the experience, make it fuller and improve visitors' impressions. The effects of originally composed music for MNT permanent collection were identified in all three domains of the psychic process: emotional (improved visitors' moods), cognitive (awakened the memory, curiosity and the desire to spread the knowledge) and motivational (inspired play and action). The effects have manifested across all research groups, which notably also included the visually impaired museum visitors.