Heritage sites—such as historic buildings, monuments, museums, and archives—hold deep meaning for people. They can evoke strong emotions, shape identities, and spark important conversations. Engaging with heritage means navigating its many layers: historical, political, social, and emotional.

Heritage professionals play a crucial role in preserving collections, researching histories, and sharing stories with the public. Their work often carries personal significance, as they care for artifacts and shape the way heritage is understood. At the same time, visitors actively participate in heritage by exploring, learning, and reflecting on what they encounter. The emotions they experience—whether tied to specific objects, exhibitions, or the atmosphere of a place—can be just as important as the heritage itself. Sometimes, what is absent is just as powerful as what is present.

Emotions also shape how heritage is presented and interpreted. They raise important questions: Whose history is being told? What stories remain unheard? Who decides how heritage is displayed and experienced?

This one-day conference explores the emotional dimensions of heritage work—from the perspectives of both professionals and audiences. How do emotions influence museum practices and visitor experiences? How can we make these emotional processes more visible, fostering openness and inclusivity in heritage spaces?

Join us as we examine heritage and memory institutions through the lens of emotional labor, and discuss how recognizing these emotions can lead to a more democratic approach to cultural heritage.