The role of Visitor Centres in UNESCO Designated Sites Regional Workshop for Europe 30 September – 2 October 2018, Palermo (Italy) Thematic Session 2: Interpretation of heritage and educational services. “The designations employed and the presentation of material throughout this document do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of UNESCO concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The ideas and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors; they are not necessarily those of UNESCO and do not commit the Organization”

1. Introduction
The role of Visitor Centres in UNESCO Designated Sites – Regional Workshop fo Europe – 30 September – 2 October 2018 Palermo (Italy)
Dr Kathryn Roberts Principal Inspector of Ancient Monuments Cadw
• Historic Environment Service of Welsh Government
• Implements heritage protection policy and legislation
• Designates ancient monuments and historic buildings
• Provides grants, advice and guidance for owners
• Manages 133 national historic properties
• Policy lead for World Heritage Sites in Wales
• Archaeological advisor for Castles of King Edward in Gwynedd

2. Castles of King Edward in Gwynedd World Heritage Site

3. Framework – Education and Interpretation of Heritage
The role of Visitor Centres in UNESCO Designated Sites – Regional Workshop fo Europe – 30 September – 2 October 2018 Palermo (Italy)
FUNCTIONS
Provide welcome
Ticketing
Orientation
Sales (guides and souvenirs)
WiFi – download App
Toilets / refreshments
Start the visitor journey
WHS logo
Transition to a special place
Bilingual / Multilingual information
Link serial WHS properties
Inspire visits to other sites

4. Framework – Education and Interpretation of Heritage
The role of Visitor Centres in UNESCO Designated Sites – Regional Workshop fo Europe – 30 September – 2 October 2018 Palermo (Italy)
OBJECTIVES - general
Provide welcome
Sense of arrival somewhere special
Set the scene and mood for the visit
Create anticipation
Support income generation
OBJECTIVES – Castles of King Edward
“One Site - Four Places”
Introduce an unfamiliar story
Challenge preconceptions
Encourage local interest

5. Activities - Education and Interpretation of Heritage
The role of Visitor Centres in UNESCO Designated Sites – Regional Workshop fo Europe – 30 September – 2 October 2018 Palermo (Italy)
Interpretation Challenges – Access & Understanding
• Limited space in our visitor centres – interpretation is on site
• Archaeologically sensitive
• Complicated history
• Different visitor expectations and needs
• High numbers of visitors in peak months
• Budget challenges

6. Potential - Education and Interpretation of Heritage
The role of Visitor Centres in UNESCO Designated Sites – Regional Workshop fo Europe – 30 September – 2 October 2018 Palermo (Italy)
The power of art as a tool for interpretation
Permanent installations
Temporary exhibits
Special events
Children’s activities

7. Lessons learned - Education and Interpretation of Heritage
Management
The role of Visitor Centres in UNESCO Designated Sites – Regional Workshop fo Europe – 30 September – 2 October 2018 Palermo (Italy)
Harlech Castle – new visitor
centre and bridge project 2014-
2016 - BEFORE
BEFORE PROJECT
Limited access
Unwelcoming
No sense of arrival
Poor facilities
No refreshments
BEFORE Access improvement

8. Lessons learned - Education and Interpretation of Heritage
Management
The role of Visitor Centres in UNESCO Designated Sites – Regional Workshop fo Europe – 30 September – 2 October 2018 Palermo (Italy)
(main achievements, experiences, etc.)
AFTER
A real “sense of arrival”
A Special Place
Provides facilities
Allows more activities
and events

9. Lessons learned - Education and Interpretation of Heritage
Management
The role of Visitor Centres in UNESCO Designated Sites – Regional Workshop fo Europe – 30 September – 2 October 2018 Palermo (Italy)
Caernarfon Castle – New visitor
centre project 2016-2020

10. Future - Education and Interpretation of Heritage
The role of Visitor Centres in UNESCO Designated Sites – Regional Workshop fo Europe – 30 September – 2 October 2018 Palermo (Italy)The role of Visitor Centres in UNESCO Designated Sites – Regional Workshop fo Europe – 30 September – 2 October 2018 Palermo (Italy)
BEFORE AFTER
Caernarfon Castle – Visitor Centre Phase One

11. Future - Education and Interpretation of Heritage
The role of Visitor Centres in UNESCO Designated Sites – Regional Workshop fo Europe – 30 September – 2 October 2018 Palermo (Italy)The role of Visitor Centres in UNESCO Designated Sites – Regional Workshop fo Europe – 30 September – 2 October 2018 Palermo (Italy)
PHASE 2
2018-2020

12. Future - Education and Interpretation of Heritage
The role of Visitor Centres in UNESCO Designated Sites – Regional Workshop fo Europe – 30 September – 2 October 2018 Palermo (Italy)The role of Visitor Centres in UNESCO Designated Sites – Regional Workshop fo Europe – 30 September – 2 October 2018 Palermo (Italy)

13. Contacts
The role of Visitor Centres in UNESCO Designated Sites – Regional Workshop fo Europe – 30 September – 2 October 2018 Palermo (Italy)The role of Visitor Centres in UNESCO Designated Sites – Regional Workshop fo Europe – 30 September – 2 October 2018 Palermo (Italy)
Cadw@gov.wales
Kathryn.Roberts@gov.wales
Website
http://cadw.gov.wales