The Hidden Face of Cultural Heritage: a science window for the dissemination of elementary knowledge of risk and vulnerability in cultural heritage

Abstract

The dissemination of research in cultural heritage preservation to the public is a task that needs new models and expressions, to capture the attention of the public and the assessment of results. With this purpose, a new educational experience in Parque de las Ciencias (Science Park of Granada, Spain) was developed. The science window titled Hidden Face of Cultural Heritage (ScW-CH) was an exhibition to show the risks (hazards + vulnerability) associated to different artworks and materials of our cultural heritage (CH). ScW-CH was led by the researchers themselves, in collaboration with museum specialists, in order to develop a new model that makes their research accessible to all demographics. An innovative methodology based into simulating a showcase, was designed to study hazards and vulnerability in CH. Therefore, the montage contained materials, equipment, information sheets, and guides to accompany visitors as storytellers. The aim of the exhibition, was for the visitors to understand the risks posed to our monuments and artworks from a scientific point of view, and to raise awareness about the care that we should give to our CH. The ScW-CH was held for 6 months and visited by 8226 visitors. During the exhibition, a survey about the opinion of visitors was carried out to study the impact of the designed new model and assess the results of the experience. The collected data was analysed by the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (version 22.0). Visitors usually presented a medium–high initial interest about visiting this exhibition, and a medium–low level of knowledge of this subject. Thanks to ScW-CH, 92% of visitors showed a very high learning level after the experience. The ratio of interest and learning in the ScW-CH in relationship with the level of study showed that secondary school pupils had the highest degree of interest and learning.