A Nose for Heritage

Scents play a vital role in how we experience the world: they evoke memories, trigger emotions, and shape our sense of identity. Yet, in the field of heritage, smell remains largely invisible and intangible. A Nose for Heritage brings together researchers, designers, and scent makers to explore how smell can take its rightful place within cultural heritage.

The project develops creative communication techniques to collect and share knowledge about scents with heritage value. It investigates how people assign meaning to scents in their surroundings – from regional products to craft traditions – and how these stories can be documented for future generations.

Alongside historical and social research, the team creates new interactive tools that encourage people to talk about scent and share scent-related memories. These installations invite visitors to smell, respond, and exchange stories, turning scent into a medium for experiencing heritage in a sensory and participatory way.

The project generates valuable insights for heritage professionals, policymakers, and creative businesses. Its results support the responsible and imaginative use of scent in education, experience design, and cultural communication.

€77,500 will be used as a PPP program grant.