A recent global survey conducted as part of a Scottish initiative has revealed significant public interest in utilizing virtual reality (VR) and extended reality (XR) technology to engage with museum collections.
This recent survey, which is the largest of its kind worldwide, was carried out as part of the £5.6 million Museums in the Metaverse (MiM) project, based at the University of Glasgow’s Advanced Research Centre.
The Museums in the Metaverse project is working on creating an XR platform for cultural heritage collections, as well as investigating ways to enhance access to museum items that are currently stored away. It is estimated that approximately 90% of museum collections are kept in storage.
Findings from the new survey showed a strong public interest in digital experiences, such as virtual exhibitions and increased interaction with cultural artifacts—an enthusiasm that has already started to manifest in VR arcades and virtual experiences around the globe.
Overall, 79% of respondents indicated a desire to use digital technology to explore cultural collections that are presently inaccessible to the public. Among these, 77% expressed interest in utilising VR specifically to access unavailable collections—52% stated they would “definitely” use it, while 25% said they would “probably” do so.
Additionally, respondents showed a positive inclination toward paying for virtual cultural heritage content. A total of 38% indicated they would be “definitely” or “probably” willing to pay for access, and 51% expressed they would be “definitely” or “probably” willing to receive payment for creating virtual experiences for others to enjoy.
Speaking on the telling study, Professor Murray Pittock, co-author of the report, said: “This is the largest global study on virtual museums to date, revealing not just what future audiences want but how museums can adapt to meet these demands.
“Our research reveals a clear appetite for immersive digital experiences, with people eager to interact with cultural artifacts in new and exciting ways.
“This shift in public expectations is already visible in the growing popularity of virtual reality cultural spaces globally, and our findings at Glasgow are helping chart a course for how museums can embrace this digital future.”
