Bridging History and Humanity: How the Museum Henry Dunant Transforms Visitor Engagement with Audio Storytelling

Challenge

Solution

Results

The Museum Henry Dunant in Switzerland uses the Podcatcher Pro to bring its humanitarian legacy to life through immersive, inclusive audio experiences.

The Museum Henry Dunant in Heiden, Switzerland, is dedicated to the life and work of Henry Dunant, the visionary initiator of the International Red Cross and the Geneva Conventions. Located in the building where Dunant lived until his death in 1910, the museum offers a unique exploration of humanitarianism, human rights, international law, peace, and democracy through Dunant’s remarkable legacy. Following a major renovation from 2021 to 2024, the museum reopened with a modern, inclusive, multilingual and multimedia core exhibition that invites visitors to engage with Dunant’s story in new, immersive ways.

The Role of Audio in Modern Storytelling

As part of its revitalisation, the Museum Henry Dunant sought to transform its exhibition's storytelling approach. The limited physical space of the museum and the desire to offer content in multiple languages without overwhelming visitors with text led to the incorporation of an audio guide system. The museum's newly designed core exhibition features four themed rooms, allowing visitors to experience the highs and lows of Dunant’s life, while the audio guide offers a deeper exploration of the underlying themes in an accessible, engaging way.

The museum also recognised the need to cater to a diverse audience, including visually impaired visitors. This commitment to inclusivity further reinforced the decision to introduce an audio guide, allowing all visitors to navigate and fully experience the exhibition independently.

Choosing the Podcatcher Pro

Before implementing the Podcatcher Pro, the museum had previously experimented with technology by offering an interactive app on iPads for a temporary exhibition from 2013-2020. However, after years of use, both the hardware and software required upgrades that exceeded the museum's financial and staffing resources. When the museum sought a new, sustainable audio solution, they conducted extensive research and explored several options.

The selection criteria were clear: simplicity of use for both visitors and staff, functionality, design, and cost-effectiveness. After ordering a demo kit and engaging with Guide-ID, the museum chose the Podcatcher Pro. The team felt confident that this

solution not only met their practical needs but would also align with their tight project timeline.

Implementation and Impact

Since its introduction in August 2024, the Podcatcher Pro has transformed the visitor experience at the Museum Henry Dunant. Offering content in multiple languages, including French and English, and providing accessibility for visually impaired visitors, the Podcatcher Pro has allowed the museum to deliver a richer, more inclusive storytelling experience. With the museum’s space being limited, the audio guide enables visitors to delve into the material at their own pace, allowing for personal reflection on the museum’s humanitarian themes.

The museum has found that the vast majority of its visitors — 99% — now use the Podcatcher during their visit, enhancing their understanding of the exhibition. This ease of use has proven especially valuable for groups and school classes, where the audio guide supports additional content for self-exploration. The reception team, responsible for distributing the devices, has also integrated the Podcatcher into the museum’s admission fee, ensuring seamless access for all visitors.

Benefits and Insights

Although it has only been a few months since the Podcatcher Pro’s implementation, the museum is already recognising the potential benefits of this technology. While it is too early to assess financial impacts, the museum is confident that building on the Podcatcher’s reliable and scalable platform will provide long-term advantages. Additionally, while they have not yet fully explored the analytics and visitor insights provided by the Podcatcher, the museum anticipates that these tools will enable them to tailor the visitor experience more effectively in the future.

One of the key benefits of the Podcatcher system is its 24/7 access to the tour editor, allowing museum staff to update and adjust the content as needed, even outside of regular working hours. This flexibility ensures that the exhibition remains dynamic and responsive to the evolving needs of its visitors.

Looking Forward

Reflecting on the decision to implement the Podcatcher Pro, the museum firmly believes that the investment has been worthwhile.

The system has performed reliably, is easy for visitors and staff to use, and has enhanced the overall visitor experience. Moving forward, the Museum Henry Dunant is excited to explore additional features of the Podcatcher Pro, further enriching its exhibitions and engaging with a diverse range of visitors.

For other museums considering an audio guide solution, the museum’s advice is simple: "Look into Guide-ID." With its user-friendly design, cost-effectiveness, and potential for long-term growth, the Podcatcher Pro has proven to be an invaluable tool in helping the museum share its unique story with the world.