The Power of Modelling

Physical models are used to produce and mediate knowledge in an immediately accessible way at and outside museums. Despite widespread use of physical models, however, we know very little about what they actually do: How do physical models function and take on meaning? And to whom do they carry meaning?
The objective with ”The Power of Modelling” is to produce new knowledge about physical models and to use this knowledge to develop a new format for co-creative exhibition-making. Collection studies and new ethnographic and historical data about four forms of physical models – toys, ships, buildings and robots – serve as basis for developing the new exhibition format.

The project is organized as an interdisciplinary collaboration between three museums (The National Museum, Moesgaard Museum and the Steno Museum) and three research institutions (Aarhus University, Royal Danish Academy and IT University of Copenhagen).