Heritage goes digital at The Rocks

The museum won a 2006 National Trust Award and was a finalist in the heritage tourism category of the 2006 Tourism NSW Awards. The project also won an Interpretation Australia Award of Excellence Silver Award for projects over $15,000 in 2010.

“This is an exciting new addition to The Rocks, designed to educate and engage not only students, but all Australians and international travellers interested in Australian history,” says Beata Kade, AOM’s managing director.

The work includes 14 multimedia displays ranging from animated linear presentations, which carry visitors through the geological events that literally shaped the Sydney basin, to a highly interactive, touch-screen operated and meticulously researched local family tree.

The latter includes more than 700 photographs, each individually treated for maximum impact and education, as well as texts written by family descendants.

In one clever display that tips on the head the notion of “do not touch”, a UBIQ window – which looks like a traditional glass cabinet storing various artefacts – launches a multimedia presentation when touched. The beautifully designed, enticing content brings the history of each item to life.

“Working within tight deadlines and other restrictions, AOM delivered truly rich presentations,” says Beata. “We encourage all our clients to visit The Rocks Discovery Museum and to take the family – the kids will love it.”