The British Museum needed a forward-looking framework to explore how the institution could evolve amid rapid cultural, political, and technological change. The project focused on examining possible futures for one of the world’s most influential museums, addressing questions of relevance, stewardship, public trust, and global responsibility.

The challenge was to translate complex futures research into a clear, compelling narrative that could provoke discussion, support strategic thinking, and reframe the museum’s role in a shifting global landscape.

The Solution

We developed a comprehensive futures deck that combined strategic foresight, storytelling, and visual narrative design. The work included:

• Research-driven exploration of social, cultural, technological, and political drivers shaping museums

• Scenario planning to outline multiple plausible futures for the institution

• Clear narrative framing to connect abstract futures thinking with real-world implications

• A structured, visually cohesive presentation designed to communicate complexity with clarity

• Strategic storytelling that balanced institutional legacy with speculative thinking

The deck was designed to function as both a strategic tool and a conversation starter, enabling stakeholders to imagine new roles for the museum beyond traditional definitions.

Outcomes

• A cohesive futures-focused deck presenting multiple possible trajectories for the British Museum

• Recognition with a global honorable mention for student work from the Association of Professional Futurists

• A strong example of strategic foresight applied to cultural institutions

• A narrative framework that reframed the museum not as a static institution, but as an evolving system shaped by values, technology, and society