On 10 November, as part of the pop-up exhibition „Laanscht eis Aerenz“ and in collaboration with the University of Luxembourg, the workshop „Sharing stories - opening borders: Participatory exhibitions between joining in and mediating“ took place in Medernach. The workshop focussed on the question of how exhibitions can actively involve people and at the same time convey content in an understandable way. Around 40 people accepted the invitation, including students from the University of Luxembourg as well as representatives from national and regional institutions.

The workshop began with a visit to the pop-up exhibition „Laanscht eis Aerenz“, which served as an example of participatory museum work. Afterwards, Rebecca Etter from the „ALPS Alpine Museum of Switzerland“ and Marie-Paule Jungblut from the University of Luxembourg gave insights into different approaches to curated storytelling and participatory exhibition design. Anette Peiter, Managing Director of the LEADER group Mëllerdall and Bob Bintz, Mayor of the Ernztal municipality and initiator of the pop-up exhibition, presented their experiences from the „Laanscht eis Aerenz“ initiative and highlighted the opportunities and challenges of collaborative curating.

In the ensuing discussion, the potential and limitations of participatory formats were discussed in depth. The morning provided valuable inspiration for exhibition organisers who want to involve visitors more closely in their design.