From Heritage to Experience: Architectural Mediation and Meaning-Making in Bahrain’s Historic Sites

Aim: This study advances visitor research by examining how visitors interact with and derive meaning from Bahrain's Historic Site Interpretation Centers (HSICs). Methodology: Using a mixed-methods ethnographic approach, we collected data from four sites (Qal’at Al Bahrain, Shaikh Salman Fort, Bu Maher Fort, Al Khamis Mosque) through 113 surveys and 22 interviews. Key results: The findings confirm that architectural context and curatorial techniques have a significant influence on visitors’ meaning-making. While many valued the dual interpretation formats, issues such as decontextualization and misalignment with local identity sometimes disrupted the intended narratives. HSICs are identified as essential centers for information and cultural identity, fostering emotional connections among visitors. Conclusion and implications: This study confirms the connection between architectural design, display strategies, and user expectations, providing insights into how these factors shape visitors’ experiences. It provides implications for curatorial design and inclusive engagement strategies in similar settings. The VE-HSIC model introduced here serves as a framework to enhance visitor engagement, deepen understanding of visitor interactions, and explore how museum practices influence the creation of meaning.