Sound in Museums 2025, taking place October 17-19 at the newly renovated National Museum of Music in Mafra, Portugal.
Sound has become a transformative force in contemporary society, with innovations like Bluetooth LE, audio interfaces, podcasts, and spatial audio redefining interpretation and experiences in the heritage sector. Within museums, sound has shifted dramatically from a perceived disruptive element to a powerful communicative tool. In academia, sound itself has long been a central focus of music studies, forming the foundation for analytical and theoretical inquiry into the world.
Sound in Museums emerges as a response to these developments, exploring how sound can be effectively exhibited in museum and heritage settings. Devised by Alcina Cortez in 2021, this pioneering forum brings together leading academics, sound artists and designers, museum curators, sound archivists, acousticians, sound engineers, and technology innovators to advance the integration of sound in museum experiences. Through interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration, Sound in Museums aims to reshape the future of sonic experiences and the understanding of music cultures in museums worldwide.
Sound in Museums explores 10 themes addressing accessibility, innovation, and cultural insights acrosss museum contexts.
Price: Audience pass EUR40 14 October 2025
Call for paper: closed