Abstract:

The technological transformations of recent decades have led to the emergence of new forms of presentation and interpretation of cultural heritage, among which the immersive exhibition space and the virtual museum occupy a central position. These two formats radically modify the traditional relationship between the public, the museum object, and the cultural institution, introducing interactive, multisensory, and accessible ways of exploring artistic and historical heritage. In the context of accelerated digitalization and the development of virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality technologies, contemporary museums are experimenting with new exhibition paradigms that extend the visitor’s experience beyond the limits of physical space. This paper analyzes the relationship between immersive exhibition space and the virtual museum, highlighting the convergences and differences between the two models. The examples demonstrate their transformative potential for curatorial and educational practices.

The methodology employed combines several research methods specific to cultural studies and museology. First, the study is based on a theoretical analysis of the literature on immersion and digital museology. Second, it employs the case study method in order to analyze relevant examples of virtual museums and immersive exhibition spaces. Among the examples examined are digital museum platforms, virtual tours of major museums, and immersive exhibition environments. Third, the paper includes a comparative analysis of different typologies of exhibition spaces and museums, in order to identify the characteristics of these immersive environments. This methodological approach enables the investigation of the subject from an interdisciplinary perspective, combining theoretical analysis with the study of concrete examples.

The integration of digital technologies into museology has a significant impact on education. These technologies enable the development of new forms of cultural education. Virtual reconstructions and interactive environments can facilitate the understanding of cultural heritage. The paper highlights the educational role of these environments. Museums are considered fundamental spaces of informal education, and the integration of digital and immersive media enables the development of new forms of experiential, participatory, and interdisciplinary learning.

The paper shows that these two new media should not be interpreted as substitutes for traditional museums, but rather as extensions of them. By combining material heritage with digital environments, contemporary museums can create new forms of cultural experience adapted to the digital society

Keywords:

Immersive exhibition, virtual museum, classical museum, heritage, learning, technology, virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality.