At Schloss Eggenberg in Graz, the exhibition Ambition and Illusion tells the theatrical story of the Eggenberg family across a series of immersive, scenographic rooms. Visitors are invited into a “Theatre of Life” – a rich journey through history, symbolism, and power that still resonates today.
Alongside immersive animations, several interactives were developed for the exhibition. These include The Court Backstage — a gear-based interface revealing the hidden roles within the court — and a series of touchscreens offering deeper insights into the Eggenberg family’s stories and the castle’s many ceiling paintings.
Each interactive was designed to balance accessibility with historical depth, translating complex art-historical content into intuitive, engaging experiences, and aligning closely with the exhibition’s narrative and theatrical design. The process involved continuous iteration, testing, and refinement.
This was my first time leading a project of this scale, overseeing both the interactives and the animations — from planning and content development to client communication and team coordination, from pitching to installation. It meant balancing the roles of Designer and Project Manager. I learned how to make decisions amidst uncertainty, to prioritize and communicate clearly, to trust my judgement and the process. Above all, I’ve come out of this process with a stronger sense of what it means to lead a project — and a deep appreciation for everyone who made it possible.
Exhibition Design: Opera Amsterdam
Content Design: Studio Louter
Music: ARTHOUSE 17
Content Design: Studio Louter
Music: ARTHOUSE 17