The development of interactive displays has transformed the traditional museum world in the last decade. Thrust into intense competition for the public's time and money with all branches of the leisure industry, museums must operate with marketing savvy. Visitors are no longer satisfied by simply gazing at worthy displays in glass cases; they expect to have hands-on experience of the objects and be actively involved with the exhibits as a form of entertainment. Tim Caulton investigates how to create and operate the effective exhibitions which achieve their educational objectives through hands-on access while encouraging a broader visitor base.