Imagine a museum experience where you can learn and discover new things from a completely different lens. Exhibitions and art installations can be brought to life in unique and exciting ways, while complex art pieces can be better understood– all with the use of augmented reality (AR).
We are not far off from getting to experience this ourselves today. Museums are beginning to take major steps towards using augmented reality for better and immersive learning and exploration.
Interactive technology, such as augmented reality, will take museums to the next level. Per an article by Kadenze, “By adapting technology like augmented reality and interactive exhibitions, museums have reached a new era of education and accessibility.”
The adoption of AR can also enable museums to leverage the technology to attract more visitors and give their patrons a whole new level of experience. The experience of walking up to an exhibit and potentially feeling disconnected or confused is rapidly changing thanks to advanced immersive technology.
According to Kadenze, current museums, such as the San Francisco Museum of Art, are employing AR, “These playful extensions make art history accessible to a new generation of tech-savvy millennials and children alike.” The often daunting subjects of history and science can be presented in a creative and user-friendly way. Augmented reality has the potential to facilitate educational experiences in museums around the world and bring history and art to life.
Augmented reality has the power to effectively tell stories. Oftentimes, artwork has an elaborate and intriguing message just waiting to be told. Digital overlay can convey an artist’s message or motivations while captivating the individual. Emerging technology can also re-create history or tell a story from across the world.
According to Kadenze, Google Arts and Culture has paved the way for making virtual museum tours available by partnering with major cultural institutions such as the Musée d’Orsay in Paris. “The opportunity to step into art museums around the world lets anyone discover the nuanced ways each culture interprets historical and contemporary art anywhere.” It is thrilling to know that immersive technology can create connections across the globe that weren’t possible before.
Museums of the 21st century will be engaging, exciting, and powerful. Kadenze makes a strong point that the museum experience no longer has to be a solitary moment, and instead can open opportunities for unexpected interactions that stay with visitors outside of museum walls. Future generations will have the pleasure of experiencing museums like never before. Technology has the potential to disrupt existing systems for the better while creating more opportunities for learning and imagination.
How do you think immersive technology will benefit museums in the future?