Presenting my paper at December’s MuseumDigit conference in Budapest was a fantastic opportunity to engage with the cutting edge of digital cultural heritage. My talk, “Building the Uncertain Space; a Virtual University Museum,” explored how immersive technologies can redefine how we experience and safeguard the past.
The conference theme—leveraging digital tools to bridge gaps in accessibility, education, and preservation—was a natural fit for my topic. Virtual museums, particularly those rendered in 3D digital spatial formats, offer unprecedented ways to make cultural heritage accessible to global audiences. By creating highly detailed, immersive environments, we can bring the experience of a museum to anyone with an internet connection, regardless of physical location or mobility.
One moment that stood out for me was a paper by Livio De Luca on the power of 3D spatial technologies to bring Notre-Dame de Paris back to life. The emphasis on engagement through interactivity tied directly to my point about the transformative potential of virtual museums to foster deeper connections with history and culture.
A key thread throughout the conference was the urgency of preserving heritage in a time of political instability and conflict, particularly in Europe. As tangible heritage sites and artifacts face increasing threats, the need for digital preservation has never been more pressing. Virtual museums not only act as lifeboats for at-risk heritage but also democratise access, allowing people across the globe to engage with collections that might otherwise remain out of reach.
Looking ahead, virtual museums could become more than just digital replicas—they could serve as vital spaces for dialogue, understanding, and resilience. At a time of division, they offer a vision of shared heritage and connected futures.
Here’s to the possibilities ahead and the next chance to keep this conversation going!
