Walk, look, remember: Art galleries as spaces facilitating attention and memory

The spatial organisation of museums has been a subject of numerous studies. Previous research, however, despite reporting some actual behavioural correlates, rarely had the possibility to investigate the cognitive processes of the visitors. In the museum context, where spatial layout is one of the most powerful curatorial tools available, we focus on measuring attention and memory as a means of establishing whether the gallery fulfils its function as a space for contemplating art. In the experiment, 32 participants split into 2 groups explored an experimental, non-public exhibition space whilst wearing a portable eye-tracking device and completed two unanticipated memory tests. The results show that some spatial characteristics of an exhibition can inhibit recall of pictures and shift the focus to perceptual salience of the artworks.