Gamification in the Museum: The Treasure of Jesenice at Kos Manor

Gamification in the Museum: The Treasure of Jesenice at Kos Manor

After several decades, the Kos Manor Museum in Jesenice opened a new exhibition — and we had the honor of co-creating it with the museum’s team.
As authors of the game “The Treasure of Jesenice,” we delved into the city’s rich history and, through close collaboration with the museum staff, searched for the best ways to connect historical events into a gamified museum experience.

The result is an interactive adventure that blends escape-room elements with a treasure hunt, allowing visitors to explore Jesenice’s history and its people in a playful, hands-on way.

From Concept to Design

From the very beginning, it was clear this wouldn’t be an ordinary museum game.
Together with the museum team, we researched historical sources, collected stories, and brainstormed how to present them in a way that is both fun and educational.
The focus was on combining historical facts with game mechanics, creating tasks that are not only engaging but also deeply rooted in real events.

Planning and Challenges

In the initial phase, we worked closely with the museum to study key stories and decide how to turn them into interactive tasks.
The main goal was to encourage visitors to spend more time in the museum and learn about Jesenice’s history through play.
To reach a wider audience, all game content was also adapted into English for international visitors.

Blending History and Gameplay

Each challenge in the game was carefully designed to organically connect with the city’s history and important figures.
For example, one of the tasks introduces Helena Zugwitz, a local pioneer for women’s rights, taking visitors through the story of women’s suffrage in the 20th century.
Players face obstacles similar to those experienced by Jesenice’s citizens throughout history — learning through play and empathy rather than passive observation.

Innovative Experience Design

Collaboration with the museum team was key in designing each challenge and placing the interactive elements within the exhibition.
The game allows visitors to move freely through the museum, solving puzzles in any order while discovering the stories of six historical figures who shaped Jesenice.
Simple but clever physical elements make the experience immersive and tailored to the museum’s architecture and narrative.

A Story That Stays With You

Every element of the game contributes to a memorable visitor experience.
Throughout the adventure, players collect symbols and traits connected to the city’s historical figures, which gives each challenge deeper meaning and links it to real moments in Jesenice’s past.

The Result

The Treasure of Jesenice enhances the museum visit by transforming visitors into active participants in history rather than passive observers.
The game increases engagement, extends the duration of visits, and turns the exhibition into a complete educational and entertaining experience.
This project demonstrates how gamification can elevate cultural institutions, and we believe this approach could be successfully implemented in many other destinations.

📷 Photo credit: Katja Žvan