Discover cycling history digitally at KOERS

KOERS, the cycling museum in Roeselare, developed its first digital tour in the ErfgoedApp. This was prompted by the hygiene measures introduced in response to COVID-19, which mean that many traditional tools in a museum collection can no longer be used in the same way. How did the museum find the experience of developing the tour?

Digital alternative

KOERS uses the ErfgoedApp replace the audiovisual content that the museum offered via touchscreens and audio phones before the coronavirus crisis. The museum uses the app's AR function to scan objects and photos. Soon, there will also be recorded anecdotes by well-known and lesser-known cyclists.

For the museum, the added value of the app lies primarily in the fact that visitors can discover additional, tailor-made background information. In a hygienic and safe manner, people can use their own devices to decide for themselves what additional information they want to read or listen to.

The museum began developing a tour based on the premise that it could continue to offer the same content as before the crisis, so that the visitor experience would remain unchanged. The museum spaces are very interactive, with touchscreens, audio phones, and filing cabinets. This made it somewhat challenging to find a suitable approach. KOERS ultimately decided to group the digital content as much as possible so that visitors ErfgoedApp select what they wanted to view or listen to in the ErfgoedApp .

Before the start of their visit, people receive a comprehensive briefing on how to use the app via the website. This information is also provided at the reception desk. There is free Wi-Fi, reception staff help with the installation of the app, and together with the visitor, they scan a first video clip. Feedback from visitors ensures that adjustments can be made regularly. Some visitors prefer to discover the museum without a smartphone, but those who do use the app find it a valuable enrichment.

Want to get started yourself?

Interested in developing a tour in the ErfgoedApp? The DIY guide is a useful starting point.

Are you planning to visit KOERS soon? Then these testimonials will give you a nice preview. During the closing ceremony, people such as Sioen, Helmut Lotti, and Griet Langedock talked about their favorite cycling memorabilia in a video. In the museum itself, you can use the ErfgoedApp search for cycling heritage in the streetscape. Are there streets in your municipality named after cyclists? Or are there statues erected?

• Basic route COURSE
• Family-friendly route ‘Treasures of Vlieg’ ROUTE

Even more inspiration

• Go on a flax safari in Texture (Kortrijk)
• Learn more about the life of Permeke (Ostend)
• Discover an audio tour at the Folklore Museum (Bruges)
• Go steam and bathe in Molenbeek
• Discover the canceled Van Eyck exhibition at MSK (Ghent) from your living room
• Or be super cool in De wereld van Kina (Ghent)

You ErfgoedApp easily ErfgoedApp the complete overview of tours in the ErfgoedApp at erfgoedapp.be/tour. At faro.be/corona, you will find a handy overview of all museums that have already reopened.