Two Upcoming Classes this Summer:
Scent as Interpretation and Introduction to Olfactory Museology
Two learning opportunities are coming up this summer! One brand new lecture and one returning by popular demand.
New!! Scent as Interpretation: A Primer for Museums and Cultural Heritage
June 25, 2026 · 12:00 – 1:00 PM EDT · Online · $55
Museums have always told stories through what you see. But what about what you smell?
This one-hour taster class is an accessible, engaging introduction to olfactory museology, or the practice of using scent as an interpretive tool in museums, cultural institutions, and heritage spaces. Whether you are a museum professional curious about multisensory engagement, an educator exploring new approaches to cultural interpretation, or simply someone fascinated by the power of smell, this class is your entry point into a growing and genuinely exciting field.
What you will learn:
In one hour, you will not only gain a deeper appreciation for how your senses contribute to knowledge, but you will gain a clearer understanding of what olfactory museology is and how it works in practice. You will be introduced to the concept of olfactory heritage – why smell is a legitimate and significant part of our history – and explore case studies for how scent has been used intentionally and effectively in museum contexts around the world. The course will leave you with practical insights, fresh inspiration, and a clearer sense of how to apply scent as a tool for interpretation rather than novelty.
Who this class is for:
This class is open to anyone. No prior knowledge of museology, heritage practice, or scent is required. Museum professionals, educators, designers, researchers, heritage practitioners and curious learners are all welcome.
What to expect:
A focused, content-rich hour with a leading practitioner in olfactory museology and olfactory heritage. Expect clear, intelligent teaching that takes the subject seriously without making it inaccessible. While this is not an exhaustive course, it will provide a strong foundation, introduce key concepts, and help you identify where to go next in developing your knowledge of this topic.
Register for Scent as Interpretation lecture now!
Returning: Introduction to Olfactory Storytelling & Olfactory Museology
July 16, 2026 · 12:00 – 3:00 PM EDT · Online · $150
The crash course in olfactory museology is back! This three-hour session introduces how scent can support cultural interpretation and public engagement. Combining key theory, ethics, and practical design strategies into an accessible foundation for olfactory storytelling, this course provides you with the framework to start your own projects. If you missed my class in May, this is your chance!
A testimonial from one of my former attendees:
Sofia’s course is a great base of knowledge suitable for anyone interested in getting started with scentwork in a GLAM setting. She perfectly balances the theoretical underpinnings (the why) with the practical application (the how).
I think the most useful parts of the course were her case studies or examples which were gathered mostly from personal experience. These really brought the information to life and helped me visualize what is possible in this relatively new field. The most interesting part (at least to me) was the scent distribution methods that she outlined. These logistical problems are what initially brought me to the course and Sofia’s examples and photos helped to frame them in museology terms.
Register for Introduction to Olfactory Storytelling & Olfactory Museology class now!
Updated!: Using Smells in Museums – International Themed Smell Day Online Event
July 25, 2026 · 12:00 – 3:30 PM EDT · Online · $25
The final speaker lineup and talk descriptions are finally here!
Do not miss this specially curated, half-day program exploring how scent functions as an interpretive tool in museum contexts. This event is broader and more community-facing featuring curators, researchers and educators that have used scent in practice. It will be a great opportunity to listen to experts and ask questions. The event will be recorded and shared with all participants.
Download the full program here.
