Recent advancements in museum design and technology are revolutionising visitor experiences, making cultural institutions more accessible and interactive. From AI-powered exhibits to architectural innovations, museums are embracing new approaches to engage diverse audiences.
The Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center in Skokie, USA, has expanded its AI-driven interactive survivor testimonies to include an interview with Kizito Kalima, a survivor of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. This initiative allows visitors to engage with Kalima's story through a digital interface, reflecting a broader effort to highlight recent genocides using advanced technology. The museum gained national recognition in 2017 for pioneering 3-D holographic interviews with Holocaust survivors, and this move indicates a shift towards inclusivity in Holocaust education.
In London, the V&A East Storehouse offers a revolutionary museum experience by providing direct access to over 250,000 objects, 350,000 books, and 1,000 archives from the Victoria and Albert Museum's extensive collection. Unlike traditional museums, visitors can touch many items and even book one-on-one "Order an Object" sessions with specific artifacts, including a 1954 Balenciaga gown or a Vivienne Westwood sweater. Situated in the city's reimagined Olympic Park, the Storehouse is part of a larger cultural district developed after the 2012 Games, aiming to engage local communities and promote transparency in museum practices.
The Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., is opening several new and renovated galleries as part of its nearly $1 billion renovation that began in 2018. This large-scale project, aimed for completion by next year to coincide with the museum's 50th anniversary and the U.S.'s 250th birthday, includes updates to all 20 galleries and the addition of 1,400 new artifacts. Highlights of the latest openings include the "Futures in Space" gallery, exploring the future of space travel, and the "Allan and Shelley Holt Innovations Gallery," a new space for rotating exhibits on aerospace innovation.
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, a $1 billion project co-founded by George Lucas and Mellody Hobson, is nearing completion in Los Angeles' Exposition Park, with an anticipated opening in 2026. Designed by Ma Yansong of MAD Architects, the five-story, 300,000-square-foot structure is distinguished by its futuristic, flowing form that blends into the surrounding park landscape. The museum will feature galleries, theaters, classrooms, and public spaces, housing a vast array of narrative art from Lucas’ personal collection, including Star Wars and Indiana Jones memorabilia.
These developments underscore a global trend towards making museum experiences more interactive, inclusive, and accessible, reflecting a commitment to engaging diverse audiences and preserving cultural narratives through innovative approaches.
