giving a voice to the ghosts of the past
Developed in cooperation with the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden (SKD) for the seminar “Interventionen. Museen als aktive Orte der Demokratie”, the GhostBox is an interactive, multi-sensory installation that invites visitors to critically engage with the histories behind the grand ceremonial clock in the palace’s state apartments.
Standing about three meters in front of the artifact, the sleek, white geometric totem creates a striking, sterile contrast against the opulent historic rooms, immediately drawing the eye. On top of the installation, four transparent figures represent pivotal roles in the clock’s history: the clockmaker, the merchant, Mother Nature, and a contemporary activist.
The user experience is designed to be entirely intuitive. A softly pulsing light encourages visitors to move one of the figures onto a central pedestal. As soon as a figure is placed, it lights up in a distinct color, and hidden speakers behind the grand clock bring the characters to life with immersive stories and soundscapes that bridge past events with modern global contexts. This tactile, playful interaction lowers the threshold for museum exploration, allowing visitors to connect emotionally with the artifact and form a deeper, critical understanding of the object.
Audio Example of the clockmaker and mother nature
all photos by karla schroeder
further implementation
The concept was ultimately selected and purchased by the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden (SKD). It was professionally produced and integrated into the official exhibition „Fait à Paris. Die Kunstmöbel des Jean-Pierre Latz am Dresdner Hof.“
The following media documents the final implementation and live usage of the GhostBox inside the palace’s historic state apartments.
photo and video: https://www.franzferdinandrichter.com/ghostbox/
year: 2024, BA04
type: Interactive Museum Installation / Physical Computing
concept & design: in collaboration with Anne Voigt, Karl Hermann, Antea Tarousa
first prototype and physical computing: in collaboration with Anne Voigt, Karl Hermann, Antea Tarousa
materials: Transparent PLA (3D Print), MDF Plates, Arduino Components
concept exhibited at: Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden, „Fait à Paris. Die Kunstmöbel des Jean-Pierre Latz am Dresdner Hof“, 2024–2025
process
