The Mazing Memory Museum: learning about heritage through play

Each September, the Doors Open Day gives visitors free access to historic buildings across Scotland that are normally closed to the public. Child participation in these events is low so the Glasgow Building Preservation Trust set about engaging Glasgow’s children through a weekend of events.

An illustrated treasure map guided children around activities and buildings across Glasgow including the cells of the Sheriff Court, a reconstructed First World War trench in Pollock Park and a safari tour of the city’s animal sculptures. Over 5,500 children took part.

In partnership with the City of Play, the project constructed a maze using over 200 straw bales, encouraging children to learn about heritage through play. The maze led to a workshop where children could paint ceramic models of cars or ships. The models contained a microchip allowing children to record their experience participating in the treasure trail.

The project held two exhibitions, at the Glasgow City Chambers and the Riverside Museum, which featured hundreds of the children’s ceramic models.

Find out more on the Doors Open Days website.