The installation of Audioopen at the Goya Museum

The Goya Museum, located in the town of Castres, is one of France’s cultural treasures. Home to one of the richest collections of Spanish artwork outside of Spain, this museum is a must-see for art and history lovers. Thanks to a fruitful collaboration with Sycomore, the museum recently enriched its visitors’ experience by installing Audiopen, an interactive device that offers total immersion in the artistic universe of the museum.

A unique collection in France

The history of the Goya Museum begins at the end of the 19th century, when the city of Castres saw its collection enriched with several works of Hispanic art thanks to the generous donation of the Briguiboul family. Marcel Briguiboul, his wife Valentine, and their son Pierre offered nearly eighty pieces, including three remarkable paintings by Francisco de Goya: Self-portrait with glasses, Portrait of Francisco del Mazo, and The Junta of the Philippines. These works were the starting point for the transformation of the museum into an institution specializing in Spanish art.

The Goya Museum: a place steeped in history

Housed in a former 17th century episcopal palace, designed by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, famous architect of Versailles, the Goya Museum is itself a work of architectural art. This historic building has welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors over the years, offering them views of more than 200 paintings dating from the 15th to the 20th century.

The renovation of the Museum

The collaboration between Sycamore and the Goya Museum began even before the major renovations of the museum, which took place between 2020 and 2023. During this period, the museum underwent a significant transformation, including the complete renovation of the building, the rearrangement of spaces interiors and the expansion of the exhibition rooms. These improvements have allowed the museum to welcome an increasing number of visitors while showcasing its exceptional collections in a more modern and accessible setting.

An audio journey in several stages

Between 2017 and 2023, Sycomore worked on the oralization and rewriting of comments for a selection of around 35 major works of art from the museum. This process was carried out in stages, ensuring that each work was put into context in a clear and demanding manner. The audio tour thus created allows visitors to follow a guided route through the different rooms of the museum, while discovering the history and details of each selected work.

The Audiopen: an innovative tool for an immersive visit

The Sycamore Audioopen was chosen by the museum to accompany visitors. At the entrance to the museum, visitors receive an Audiopen accompanied by a detailed tour plan. This map of the museum clearly shows the different rooms and major works of art that can be explored using the Audiopen. Each point of interest on the map is associated with an encoded area, which the visitor can point to with the Audiopen, which automatically triggers audio comments.

An experience adapted to all visitors

Audio commentary is available in three languages: French, English and Spanish, allowing visitors from different backgrounds to fully enjoy the visit. In addition, versions specially adapted for children have been developed, offering educational content while being fun. This allows young visitors to engage with art and history in an interactive way, making a visit to the museum more attractive for the whole family.

A new lease of life for cultural mediation

The installation of Audiopen at the Goya Museum represents a significant advancement in the way museums can use technology to enrich the visitor experience. By offering cultural mediation that combines historical content with a fun and interactive experience, Audiopen helps capture the attention of visitors and make art more accessible and understandable.

Conclusion: An invitation to rediscover the Goya Museum

The Goya Museum, with its incredible collection of Spanish art and unique historical setting, is a must-see for art and history lovers. Thanks to the installation of the Audioopen by Sycamore, the museum now offers an even more enriching and immersive visitor experience. Whether you are an art enthusiast or simply curious, a visit to the Goya Museum with Audioopen promises you an exploration of Spanish art through the centuries and numerous masterpieces.