The Laboratory invited visitors to participate

Engaged Visitors

The exhibition team wanted to explore whether visitors are interested in interactive and participatory experiences within exhibitions. Feedback from the approximately 400 visitors was clear: they value the opportunity to engage actively. Most expressed a desire for meaningful experiences that allow them to reflect, interact, and contribute to deeper understanding, rather than merely observing passively.

Interactive Experiences and Creative Expression

This was illustrated through roundtable discussions where visitors in the Laboratory answered questions with “yes,” “no,” or “maybe,” leading to deeper conversations. Many participants appreciated speaking with people they didn’t know, who often came from different countries and cultures.

Visitors also enjoyed expressing creativity and crafting with their hands in the exhibition space. At one table, they shaped clay figures inspired by images of Nobel Peace Prize laureates or descriptions of their work for peace. This highlighted that many visitors are primarily interested in the causes that laureates champion. The audience showed a desire for deeper insight into the issues and challenges, rather than simply learning about the individuals who received the prize.

Exploring Sound and Archives

Other creative and exploratory stations also captured visitors’ interest, such as creating shadow plays with clay figures. Over several days, the Laboratory hosted Dutch sound artist Lotte Geeven, who explored live soundscapes from conflict zones in a dedicated space. Visitors had the chance to speak with her about her experiences with sound and provide feedback on how they would like to experience audio in exhibitions. Sound emerged as a powerful way to engage audiences.

The Laboratory also delved into the archives of the Norwegian Nobel Institute, where documents related to the Nobel Peace Prize laureates remain sealed for fifty years before being made public. Many visitors were curious about how laureates are chosen, the role of the committee, and what happens after a winner is selected. Bjørn Vangen from the Nobel Institute and artist Beate Petersen collaborated for a few days in the Laboratory to examine how art and archives could be combined.

Architecture and Rituals

To gain a better overview of the space where the new exhibition will be created, architect Amanda Verde was invited to the Laboratory, where she spent several days constructing a model of the entire second floor of the Nobel Peace Center. This model will now be used by the exhibition team to test spatial solutions for the new exhibition.

During the week, the exhibition team also explored rituals. Tibetan monks from the Kadampa Meditation Center held several meditation sessions that were appreciated by many visitors.

The Way Forward

The Laboratory and its visitors’ insights offered valuable reflections and feedback that the exhibition team will carry forward in their work to create a relevant and meaningful exhibition about the Nobel Peace Prize laureates—through dialogue and in dialogue.