How to bring children closer to the exhibits

Rare objects in display cases need protection. For children, however, it is often hard to understand their story just by looking through the glass and reading the labels. They cannot touch them, explore them from all sides or easily imagine what state they were found in and what preceded their display.

The idea of bringing this context closer to them through play came from an employee of the Institute of Archaeological Heritage of Central Bohemia. Visitors would first find the individual shards and then assemble the whole vessel themselves. Our task was to help turn this educational idea into a working aid.

From a 3D scan to a magnetic kit

In both commissions, the clients gave us 3D scans of the original objects. These were not suitable for direct 3D printing, so they served as references for our modeller, who used them to create print-ready models.

Our 3D printing specialist then took over. He divided the models into individual fragments and designed the required number of holes for magnets in them. The shape of the whole vessel was thus turned into parts made for assembling.

After printing, we fixed magnets into the prepared holes. When fitting them, we had to keep the correct orientation so that the individual parts would connect as intended and the kit would work properly.

The technical realisation therefore included creating printable models, adapting them for the educational game, and then manufacturing and assembling them. The clients brought the idea and the source data; we took care of the steps needed so that visitors could try the idea with their own hands.

From digging up shards to assembling a vase

The first project was made for an archaeological exhibition at Nižbor Castle. We printed a vase divided into shards that can be joined back into the original shape using magnets.

The game begins even before the assembly itself: the shards first have to be dug up and cleaned. Visitors can thus go all the way from finding the fragments to reconstructing the whole vessel. They examine their shapes, look for connections and patiently test which parts belong together.

This experience helps children understand that a whole object in a display case may be the result of careful work with individual finds. The magnetic joints also allow the vase to be taken apart again and prepared for the next visitors.

A similar experience for the National Museum

We presented the finished project in a video on social media. Years later, the authors of a National Museum exhibition noticed it and approached us with a request for a similar interactive element.

This time, the model was a terra sigillata bowl from Neratovice, dated to the second half of the 2nd century AD. We created its puzzle replica for the exhibition in the Historical Building of the National Museum.

Here, too, visitors can try assembling the vessel from individual parts. The replica lets them hold the fragments and learn first-hand how the individual shards relate to the final shape of the historical object.

Another use for 3D scans

Many historical artefacts are now documented using 3D scanning. The resulting digital data can also be used to make aids that make collections accessible to visitors.

In both of our commissions, the supplied scans became the starting point for physical replicas. Although they required further modelling work, they made it possible to link the educational game to a specific historical object. The digital documentation thus found another use right in the exhibition.

History explored with your own hands

Both projects solve the same problem: how to bring children closer to objects that may not engage them or make sense to them when simply viewed behind glass. The puzzle replicas give them the chance to get actively involved and try part of the archaeologists' work while the rare originals remain protected.

Thanks to the client's idea and the technical work at PrusaLab, we created aids that connect a museum exhibit with discovery, touch and patient assembly. Visitors can better understand what lies behind the reconstruction of the vessel they see in the display case.