Where scent becomes interpretation.
Researched-informed education, consulting and approaches to olfactory heritage, museum practice and public engagement.
Meet the
Olfactory Contractor
The Olfactory Contractor is a consultancy and educational platform advancing the fields of olfactory museology and olfactory heritage. Founded by Sofia Collette Ehrich, it sits at the intersection of academic research, museum practice, and the fragrance industry—translating interdisciplinary knowledge into methodologies, frameworks, and real-world applications for cultural institutions.
Through consulting, teaching, and collaborative projects, The Olfactory Contractor helps museums and heritage organizations integrate scent as a deliberate tool for interpretation, public engagement, and cultural understanding. Its work is grounded in the belief that scent is not a novelty or an atmospheric addition to exhibitions, but a legitimate medium through which history, memory, and culture can be interpreted and communicated.
Why Storytelling Should Be Multisensory
Smell Leaves an Impression
Smell Broadens Access
Sensory interpretation can support more inclusive and meaningful encounters with cultural content.
Smell Builds Community
The smells of places, materials, and practices help communicate cultural significance across generations and communities.
Smell Reveals Hidden Histories
Multisensory design creates more entry points for interpretation, making museums more inclusive and accessible to diverse audiences.
Smell Encourages Deeper Attention
Smell invites visitors to slow down, observe carefully, and consider cultural narratives from another perspective
Three Ways to Bring Your Story to Life Through Scent
Individual Consulting & Coaching
One-on-one sessions for museum professionals and others exploring scent as a storytelling tool. Receive expert advice on scent integration, immersive design, sourcing scents, and safe, inclusive use.
Speaking & Hands-On Workshops
Inspire your team or audience with my tailored talks and hands-on workshops on olfactory heritage and olfactory museology. These are ideal for museums, educators, and others interested in these topics. Available in-person or online.
Olfactory Design & Guest Curation
Design and curate scent-based experiences for exhibitions, events, and institutions. From concept to execution, I help bring olfactory storytelling to life—collaborating with teams to craft immersive, meaningful encounters.
Trusted By Leading Cultural Voices
Ready to think differently about smell in museums?
Scent is not a decorative addition to interpretation: it is a medium through which history, memory, and culture are communicated.