Ralph Appelbaum Associates

RAA and Journey have worked with the British Museum to develop new approaches to interpretation in the Museum’s Assyrian and Roman Britain Galleries. Referred to as ‘Pilot Projects’, the experimental exercise aims to draw attention to the fascinating stories behind some of the Museum’s most renowned objects – the Assyrian reliefs and Vindolanda Tablets.

The Assyrian reliefs are artistic masterpieces depicting royal exploits in the Assyrian age (7th–9th century BC), while the Vindolanda Tablets are amongst the most significant archaeological finds from Roman Britain, each written tablet giving an insight into daily life for Romans. Yet despite their value, these objects were sometimes overlooked by visitors who were unaware of their respective roles in the study of human history.

The Pilot Projects form part of a wider program to diversify interpretive display techniques within the Museum’s permanent galleries, and the outcomes will be used to inform the Museum’s forthcoming Masterplan for the Western Range.

RAA and Journey’s work at The British Museum aims to engage a new generation of visitors by transforming ancient artifacts into immersive multidimensional experiences. Working together with the Museum’s in-house team, RAA and Journey reimagined the Roman Britain and Assyrian galleries using new graphics, lighting, sound, motion and narrative design to bring the Vindolanda tablets and the Lion Hunt reliefs of Ashurbanipal to life.

Visitors experience the epic sweep of history through layered storytelling, from simple anecdotes to in-depth archaeological exposition, tailored for all ages. Soundscapes, projections and interactive displays create vivid, relatable connections to the past, blending history with cutting-edge design to make the ancient world feel uncannily present.