MELA project

The MELA – Accessible Educational and Ludic Museums project was created with the aim of enhancing and renewing the heritage of the Civic Archaeological Museum of Angera through participatory cultural initiatives and gamification practices. The initiative offers playful experiences designed for diverse audiences and capable of strengthening the connection between community, heritage, and technology.

The results achieved demonstrate the cultural and social impact of MELA. Among the most significant are the seven augmented reality installations, spread throughout the urban fabric and accessible year-round, which combine art, technology, and local storytelling, transforming Angera into an open-air museum. Alongside these, new playful and experiential activities have been developed, such as treasure hunts and city escapes, designed to engage audiences of all ages and make cultural enjoyment more dynamic and accessible.

The artistic residency, which featured seven creatives with interdisciplinary skills, gave rise to innovative experiences capable of combining analog and digital languages. Furthermore, the project led to the production of a series of board games inspired by the history and heritage of Angera:

Il Mostro del Lago (The Lake Monster), for younger children;

La Mappa dei Misfatti (The Map of Misdeeds) – Five Mysteries in Angera, an investigative game for children and adults;

Sogni d’Istanti (Dreams of moments) – A game of deception in Angera, designed for an adult audience.

Angera Segreta (Secret Angera) – Discover hidden treasures, an urban game aimed at teenagers and tourists;

With these initiatives, MELA placed the community at the center of its story, engaging residents, students, young people, and seniors in a process of shared valorization. The exploratory walks allowed us to map the urban experience and transform it into authentic itineraries, fostering a new model of sustainable tourism, widespread culture, and active citizenship.