While an image can convey a thousand words, sound can enhance and deepen the connection between an object and its viewer. In many studies, a multi-sensory approach has been proven to draw in audiences, increase visitor enjoyment of an exhibit, and prolong stays. This is the reason why more and more museums and installations are turning to audio tours.

Museum audio tours provide recorded spoken commentary through a handheld device. These provide information, background, and context on the objects being viewed. Some even include music and interviews. Through the use of creative storytelling, audio tours give the listener an engaging narrative to follow.

The Benefits of Museum Audio Tours

When done right, audio guides offer visitors a unique and tailored museum experience that most enjoy. But how can these help your museum?

1. Audio guides and tours offer your visitors flexibility. In one study, it was found that more people who visited museums want the flexibility to explore at their own pace, which is not possible in escorted tours. Audio guides afford visitors the freedom to skip or linger as long as they want on a display.

2. They break down language barriers. Many sound tours are multilingual, which makes exhibits accessible not only to the locals but to an international audience as well.

3. They support your exhibition. Audio tours provide visitors an immersive experience that allows people to engage more with art rather than distract them from it. Kids, most especially, love how sound enlivens up their museum trips.

4. They entertain just as well as they educate. Many studies prove that people retain more details when they have fun while learning. And a well-made audio tour can capture the imagination of your listeners as you weave enchanting tales that inform.

5. Audio guides pay their own investment cost. The price of renting an audio guide can be included in the ticket or rented out separately. Having audio tours designed and audio guides added to your exhibit do not have to add a lot of expense to your operating costs.

6. They keep visitors safe and educated during the pandemic. These systems enable visitors to your exhibit practice safe distancing protocols while letting them hear each and every exhibit detail clearly. The guides eliminate the need for crowding together in groups.

Your audio tour devices can also help you collect visitor data to tell you which exhibits get the most traffic. You can use that information to help you craft optimal routes for your museum.

7. They enable visually-impaired people to enjoy art. Audio tours that are designed to provide visual descriptions of exhibits can give blind or partially-sighted people a rich art experience, letting them get as much out of a visit as a sighted person.

Audio tours make museums accessible to everyone.

Audio tours eliminate the traditional barriers that keep people from enjoying a full learning experience in the museum. If you want to deliver an inclusive and engaging experience for your guests, drop us a line and we’ll bring our 20+ years in the industry to help you with all of your inquiries and concerns.