2025/07/29 by Wendhausen, Maria Eduarda Vieira
#AI in museums #Aesthetics #Audience studies #Media studies
paper · doi:10.34632/jsta.2025.17586
As digital technologies redefine cultural engagement, Artificial Intelligence (AI) emerges as a transformative force in museum experiences, balancing innovation and tradition. This paper investigates the dual impact of AI on cultural institutions, analysing its potential to enhance visitor engagement through personalisation, accessibility, and operational efficiency while addressing significant challenges including ethical concerns, data dependency, and risks to cultural authenticity. The study highlights AI’s capability to democratise cultural heritage, drawing from diverse recently implemented examples, such as AI-powered art restoration, immersive VR/AR experiences, and adaptive educational tools. However, limitations surrounding infrastructure, algorithmic bias, and privacy underscore the need for strategic, ethical governance. By navigating these complexities, museums can leverage AI to enrich public interaction with heritage while safeguarding their foundational mission of cultural stewardship. Based on recent European Parliament briefings and regulations, this research offers actionable frameworks for institutions aiming to integrate AI responsibly, to foster innovation that honors technological potential and humanistic values.