01 Initial State
The Western Slovak Museum is located in the former Poor Clare Monastery in Trnava. The archaeological exhibition "The Oldest History" is planned for the second floor, within the space of the current exhibition. The vaulted area was originally used as monastic cells, which were interconnected. The layout consists of an enfilade of seven separate rooms. The design preserves the original layout without any structural or demolition interventions, respecting the status of the National Cultural Monument and ensuring accessibility.
​
02 Design Philosophy

The archaeological collection is divided into 11 thematic areas according to the curator's scenario. As it was not possible to organize the exhibition in a circular route, the thematic zones were distributed as shown in floorplan.

The aim was to define each part of the exhibition and improve visitor orientation through a guiding floor element. Upon entering, the visitor finds themselves in the main room themed "What is Archaeology?" The dominant feature is a graphically designed timeline integrated into an interactive module located on the right side of the entrance. Using interactive technologies (projection onto a book model and audio), visitors learn about each historical period from the Paleolithic to the present. The rest of the exhibition is accompanied by a simplified floor timeline. Each point leads to the main information panel for that period.

​

Exhibition Systems

The exhibition system around the room forms a continuous display strip guiding visitors along the perimeter. Centrally located elements represent the central exhibition concept. A unified design language was achieved by using a reversible display system of showcases and panels. These were designed as modular units to reduce production costs and maintain interior consistency.

​

Display Elements:

• Small artifact showcases: Feature perforated back panels for flexible and simple installation of items, allowing curators to decide on the final arrangement. Designed with a groove for inserting glass. Artifacts are visually separated by a blue cross, referencing archaeological grid markings.

​

• Large artifact showcases: Form a longitudinal display strip for the largest exhibits. These dustproof, sealed showcases are lit with energy-efficient museum lighting.

​

• Panels: Three types of full panels (800 mm and 400 mm wide) are used—graphic, informational, and haptic. Non-timeline-related panels are interchangeable.

​

• Central elements: Each zone features a dominant central element (grave, table showcase, tube, or seating). Every exhibit is treated as a jewel that deserves a proper frame to highlight its uniqueness. Central and display elements in basic geometric forms do not compete with the artifacts but enhance them. Grave sites and table showcases are enclosed in anti-reflective safety glass.