Enhancing Visitor Experience at In Flanders Fields Museum with the Podcatcher Pro 

Challenge

Solution

Results

A Museum Dedicated to Remembrance 

The In Flanders Fields Museum, located in Ypres, Belgium, is a powerful tribute to the events and impact of the First World War. Housed in the historic Cloth Hall, the museum offers an immersive journey through personal stories, historical artifacts, and interactive exhibits that bring the realities of war to life. With a strong focus on remembrance, education, and reflection, it welcomes visitors from around the world to explore the history of the Western Front and its lasting consequences. 

Since its permanent exhibition opened in 2012, the museum has continually sought ways to enhance the visitor experience. In 2021, after conducting a visitor survey that highlighted a demand for a more in-depth and accessible experience, the museum introduced the Podcatcher Pro audio guide from Guide ID. To further improve audio quality and expand visitor possibilities, they transitioned to the latest Podcatcher Pro, which went live for visitors at the beginning of 2025. 

Addressing Key Challenges with an Audio Guide System 

Before implementing an audio tour guide system, visitors followed a self-guided tour, relying on written information panels and several interactive booths. While this provided valuable insights, it also had limitations: 

• Limited storytelling depth – Visitors often missed key historical details simply because they were not immediately visible in the exhibit. 
• Language barriers – While some audio elements were included, they were only available in a single language at a time, with subtitles for other languages. This created an accessibility gap for multilingual audiences. 
• Reading fatigue – With so much information to absorb, visitors found themselves reading extensively, which could sometimes lessen the emotional impact of the experience. 

By integrating the Podcatcher Pro, the museum was able to tackle these challenges effectively, enriching the way visitors engage with the stories of the First World War. 

A Tailored Audio Experience for Every Visitor 

One of the biggest benefits of the Podcatcher Pro is its ability to offer multiple audio tour options. At In Flanders Fields Museum, visitors can now choose between three distinct routes: 

• A general audio tour – Providing a well-rounded overview of key exhibits and stories. 
• A deeper historical exploration – A more detailed route for those who want to immerse themselves in the complexities of the war. 
• A children’s route – Tailored for younger visitors aged 10-12, making the content more engaging and accessible for families and school groups. 

With the Podcatcher Pro, visitors can now listen and learn at their own pace, fully immersed in the history that surrounds them. 

Positive Impact on Engagement and Museum Insights 

Since implementing the Podcatcher Pro, the museum has seen remarkable results: 

• 20-25% of all visitors now choose to take an audio guide. 
• 40-45% of individual visitors opt for the Podcatcher Pro to enhance their experience. 
• The museum has seen a financial benefit from audio guide rentals, supporting its ongoing work in education and conservation. 

Beyond engagement and revenue, the museum has also gained valuable visitor insights through the Podcatcher Pro’s analytics. By analysing where visitors stop listening or interact most, the team can make informed decisions about future exhibition layouts and storytelling approaches. 

A Lasting Partnership 

What started as a way to enhance the permanent exhibition has now extended to temporary exhibitions as well, as the museum continues to see the benefits of interactive audio tours. The intuitive, screen-free nature of the Podcatcher Pro aligns perfectly with the museum’s goal of creating a deeply engaging, distraction-free experience that allows visitors to connect fully with the stories of the past. 

As In Flanders Fields Museum prepares for the next stage of its journey—closing the current exhibition in 2028 and launching a new one in 2029—the insights gained from audio guide analytics and visitor engagement will play a crucial role in shaping its future. 

Experience It for Yourself 

The In Flanders Fields Museum remains a vital centre for remembrance, education, and reflection. With the Guide ID Podcatcher Pro, it has taken a significant step towards making its storytelling even more immersive, inclusive, and impactful. 

Discover how the Podcatcher Pro can transform your museum’s visitor experience. Find out more here.