StoryCatchers
Grote Kerk Alkmaar, Alkmaar (NL), 2024
The Great Church of Alkmaar is an empty church full of history, stories that were once invisible to visitors. Through an interactive tour, visitors discover the hidden treasures of this impressive building.
An empty church full of stories
Those who visit the Grote Kerk, visit an empty church. The interior is clean and austere. No services are held there anymore. But appearances can be deceiving, this church is like no other. Over the centuries, it has been filled with stories and today it’s a vibrant hub for festivals, arts, and music. In collaboration with the Grote Kerk, Studio Louter developed the ‘StoryCatchers’: a playful tablet tour that lets visitors uncover the church’s secrets in a joyful and engaging way.
Uncover the hidden stories
For a varied experience, we designed a tour with seven stories. Each story begins with a playful search question. 'Can you spot which body part tells the time on the ceiling clock?' Every correct answer unlocks a new experience, sometimes digital, sometimes physical: a radio play with pounding music and running churchgoers, a projection of buried Dutch celebrities, and Beyoncé music playing on the carillon
Different for everyone
The ‘StoryCatcher’ is suitable for both young and older residents of Alkmaar, for regular visitors as well as those discovering the church for the first time. The tour is available in eight languages: Dutch, English, German, French, Italian, Arabic, Turkish, and Farsi. We developed the tour in close collaboration with partners, the church, and the target audience, with whom tested it extensively."
Photos by Levin den Boer
Credits
Client
Grote Kerk AlkmaarContent Design
Studio LouterSpatial Design
OPERA AmsterdamResearch and Text
Stichting Boven het MaaiveldInteractive Media Production
MCW / creative agencyHardware
VHS