Aurora Platform Update: July 2026
Release 2026.6
The July 2026 Aurora release introduces several updates focused on the administrator experience, content ingest, accessible media playback, and site management. The release also includes a number of smaller bug fixes and improvements based on client feedback.
New Admin Theme
Aurora's administration interface now uses Gin, a new administrative theme.
In addition to the updated appearance, the new theme introduces dark mode and the ability to change the orientation of the administrative menu. These options provide administrators with more flexibility in how they interact with the backend.
Because the new theme applies only to the administrative interface, it does not change the experience for public-facing site users.
A Simplified Ingest Process (Beta)
The 2026.6 release introduces a simplified interface for creating objects through the Aurora administration interface. This new ingest experience is currently available as a beta and represents the first step in a broader effort to improve how content is added to Aurora.
The new interface supports uploading objects, including paged content and compound objects. Administrators can also upload .zip files, which the interface uses to create the corresponding pages and/or compound items.
The new workflow can be accessed through the “Ingest Beta” buttons available to administrators.
The existing Add Content process remains available. The ingest experience will continue to be refined as broader improvements to content and metadata ingest are developed.
A New Accessible Audio and Video Player
Aurora's audio and video content now uses Able Player. Able Player is a fully accessible media player that provides more comprehensive support for oral history content. This includes high-contrast and scalable controls, as well as synchronized interactive transcript highlights.
Existing audio and video content, including media contained within compound objects, will use the new player following the release deployment. Additional documentation on using Able Player for oral history content will be shared as it becomes available.
Asset Injector Module
The new Asset Injector module makes it easier for the Discovery Garden team to add CSS and JavaScript to an Aurora site.
For institutions using or exploring alternative tracking tools, the module can be used to add the necessary scripts and simplify the analytics process.
Bug Fixes and Other Improvements
This release also includes several smaller fixes related to administrator permissions, duplicate buttons, grid views, and the node title length module.
These updates are part of the ongoing maintenance and refinement of the Aurora platform.
Ready to See What Aurora Can Do for Your Organization?
Contact Discovery Garden to learn more about Aurora, schedule a demo, or discuss how the platform could support your institution's digital collections.
Miniature collector's cabinet, German, possibly Nuremberg, ca. 1600. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Open Access Collection.
