Analyzing the impact of exhibition management strategies on visitor interest at the Gedung Sate Museum, Bandung: a case study approach

Museum Gedung Sate employs digital exhibition technologies to attract public interest; however, sustaining visitor engagement remains a managerial challenge. This study investigates how exhibition management strategies influence visitor interest, with particular emphasis on curatorial management and the application of digital exhibition media. Using a qualitative case study approach, data were obtained through observation, questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and document analysis, and were examined using a SWOT-based analytical framework. The findings reveal that the absence of a permanent curatorial structure, limited narrative renewal, and the underutilization of participatory digital technologies weaken the long-term quality of visitor engagement, despite high initial attendance. In contrast, exhibitions supported by coherent curatorial direction and well-integrated digital interpretation were found to significantly enhance visitor interest and experiential depth. Theoretically, this study contributes to exhibition management and digital museology by clarifying the relationship between curatorial governance, digital interpretation, and visitor interest. Practically, it offers strategic guidance for museum managers and exhibition designers in developing sustainable, visitor oriented exhibition management models for heritage museums implementing smart museum initiatives.