2025/06/20 by Wouter Smets, Vincent Euser · 1 voice
Computer Science · Arts and Humanities · #Virtual Reality Applications and Impacts #Museums and Cultural Heritage #Augmented Reality Applications
paper · pdf · doi:10.14324/herj.22.1.16
Art and history museums are increasingly adopting multiple sensorial technologies, challenging people to reconsider how these immersive museum experiences may add to learning art and history. This study explores the use of emerging technologies in museum exhibits, and how it reshapes art and history education in museums. Comparative case study methodology is used to analyse differences and similarities between two immersive augmented reality and virtual reality exhibitions in the Netherlands. While Case 1 offers a structured, guided experience integrating historical artefacts, Case 2 is more open-ended, prioritising imaginative engagement. Drawing on these cases, we posit the construct of immersive learning experiences in museums and reflect on how they relate to traditional museum learning. Interaction and multimodality emerge as critical components of immersive learning experiences in museums that enhance the depth and breadth of visitor engagement, while guidance and interaction ensure that the educational objectives are met without stifling individual curiosity. Both cases vary to a large degree in the way in which they integrate these aspects of learning into their design.