ARTS & CULTURE
OLD-SCHOOL MUSEUMS
MUSEUM 2.0
•“ Please don’ t touch”
• Read information boards
• Quiet galleries
• Static displays
• Observe artefacts
• Take memories home
•“ Please interact”
• Use interactive touchscreens
• Immersive soundscapes
• Moving digital projections
• Become part of the exhibit
• Create shareable experiences
Museums now design exhibitions with shareability in mind, recognising that a striking photograph or viral video can introduce millions of people to art and culture.
While some critics argue that visitors spend more time taking selfies than appreciating the exhibits, others believe these moments spark curiosity and inspire first-time museum visits. If a photo leads someone to discover a new artist or learn more about history, that’ s surely a win.
Importantly, traditional museums still have an irreplaceable role. There is something profoundly moving about standing in front of an original masterpiece, an ancient fossil, or an object that has survived centuries of history. Digital technology enhances these experiences but cannot replace the authenticity of genuine artefacts and the stories they carry.
The future of museums lies in balance. The best institutions are blending old and new, combining historical collections with cutting-edge technology to create experiences that educate, entertain, and inspire.
Museum 2.0 proves that culture doesn’ t have to stand still. It can move, interact, surprise, and even make us laugh. Museums are no longer places to look at history. They’ re places to experience it. IB
48 INBOUND SA / SEPTEMBER 2026