Museums and galleries: From conventional institutions to learning organizations

Slovak museums and galleries are considered to be conservative and dry institutions with their exhibition concepts not changed for years. Their approach contradicts to the common perception of Information Age accenting innovativeness. Our paper shows how the principles of Knowledge Management can be effectively exploited for unfreezing this rigid state and for educating their staff to make their important steps towards Learning Organization - a model of contemporary institute. During the preparation of an exhibition installed in the Slovak National Gallery, Knowledge Management principles were used. Their application revealed that digitized art can be efficiently and effectively combined with presentations of original artefacts and bring synergy effects highly appreciated by audience. In our paper, we analyze the processes leading to the most interesting specimens starting from their idea to their factual appearance. The learned lessons have been exploited for developing a series of methodological recommendations. They can navigate staff of related institutions during their design and development of interactive projects in the future.