SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IN EDUCATIONAL PROJECTS OF THE NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM IN GDANSK

Abstract

Social responsibility in museums is not an entirely new domain. For many years now activities locating museums among the institutions contributing to creating better social reality have been observed. This new paradigm overcomes the stereotypical perception of cultural institutions as organizations taking care only of tangible and intangible testimony to the past of mankind, at the same time imposing on them the responsibility versus society and the community. The National Maritime Museum (NMM) in Gdansk tries to face these challenges not only by implementing educational and conservation projects, but also by supporting the development of the very Museum and its branches, at the same time directing its activities towards engaging in important social issues, such as eradicating accessibility barriers to heritage facilities, care for the environment, and sustainable development. Among the most recent accomplishments described in the paper let us mention the projects implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as the new visiting format presented on the ‘Dar Pomorza’ Museum Ship. On 11 May 2021, NMM shared with the public the so-called Interactive Spherical Video integrated with modern Oculus goggles, introducing the spectator into interactive augmented reality allowing to become acquainted with the sailing ship from a new perspective, accessible to visitors with impaired mobility. A similar solution, though amidst a different landscape, was proposed in the lobby of the Museum’s main building on Ołowianka Island in Gdansk. Without getting aboard the ‘Sołdek’ Museum Ship, we can peep into its cargo hold and engine room. Furthermore, the paper describes many interesting educational or advertising undertakings which attempt at facing contemporary social challenges.