Exploring the realms of artificial intelligence and immersive technologies: a fresh perspective on art and history like never before
Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the museum experience, making it more interactive, personalized, and accessible for visitors worldwide.
In museums across the globe, AI is being employed to create highly engaging and immersive experiences. For instance, the Experimental Museology Lab (eM+) at EPFL combines immersive visualization technologies, visual analysis, aesthetics, and cultural and scientific data to offer an enriching experience for all[1].
One such example is the "Pure Land" project, an intergenerational and non-discriminatory initiative that contributes to virtual tourism and enables new strategies for the restitution of cultural content and heritage landscapes[2]. Using high-resolution photography and laser-scanned models, it creates an immersive virtual facsimile of the caves' interiors and their Buddhist mural paintings, providing a glimpse into the 492 caves of Dunhuang, a UNESCO World Heritage site[2].
The "Pure Land" project was developed using several machine learning models, including GPT-4 from OpenAI and Eleven V2 from ElevenLabs, and was trained using around 6,000 photos, videos, and statements from Salvador Dali[2]. Another innovative application of AI can be seen at the Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida, where an AI device called "Ask Dali" allows visitors to interact with a recreated Salvador Dali[3].
AI is also being used to personalize visitor engagement. For example, the Louvre Abu Dhabi used AI devices in the exhibition "From Kalila wa Dimna to La Fontaine, journeys through fables" to allow visitors to generate their own personalized fables[4]. Similarly, AI curates exhibits based on visitor data and artifact significance, tailoring tours and recommendations to individual interests[1].
Virtual and interactive guided tours are another application of AI in museums. Humanoid robots like Pepper interact with visitors using voice, gestures, and touchscreens, while AI chatbots in museum apps offer personalized, on-demand assistance[1]. AI also powers interactive robots or chatbots that provide real-time information and storytelling, such as the "Ask Dali" device[3].
AI-generated content and translations are breaking language barriers for global audiences. Tools powered by models like ChatGPT automatically create detailed, engaging descriptions for artworks, and translate content into over 160 languages[2]. This multilingual support enhances inclusivity and accessibility, allowing visitors from all corners of the world to enjoy and understand the exhibits.
Virtual reality (VR) is another technology pushing the physical boundaries of museums. Visitors can explore heritage sites from home with a VR headset, such as the "VersaillesVR: The Château is Yours" experience[5]. Some museums, like the Château Guillaume le Conquérant, offer the discovery of the interior of the castle through augmented reality since 2013[6].
However, the environmental impact of these technologies, including equipment manufacturing, lifespan, end-of-life, and servers, should be considered. Despite this, they can also contribute to the protection of sensitive objects and sites and reduce mass tourism[7].
In conclusion, AI is transforming museums into dynamic, personalized, and inclusive spaces that blend physical and digital experiences, fostering deeper engagement with art and history[1][2][3][4][5]. This technological revolution is making culture more vibrant and accessible for everyone.
References: 1. Artificial Intelligence in Museums 2. Pure Land: Inside the Mogao Grottoes at Dunhuang 3. Ask Dali: AI and the Future of Art 4. Louvre Abu Dhabi: From Kalila wa Dimna to La Fontaine, journeys through fables 5. VersaillesVR: The Château is Yours 6. Château Guillaume le Conquérant: Augmented Reality Experience 7. Environmental Impact of Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality
- The "Pure Land" project, an innovative application of AI, creates an immersive virtual facsimile of the caves' interiors and Buddhist mural paintings, using machine learning models and a vast collection of multimedia data from Salvador Dali.
- In the Louvre Abu Dhabi, AI devices are employed to generate personalized fables for visitors, allowing them to engage with art in a unique and interactive way, tailoring tours and recommendations based on individual interests.
