A culmination of the history of human development and the time machine of the current generation, museums have been our exposure to the growth timeline of our ever-changing species – humans. With the changing times, the way we see museums is also changing. With development in technology and now at the stage of Artificial Intelligence, Museums are now incorporating tech and history together in their efforts of exceptional archeological display, playing a key contribution in streamlining operations.
International Museum Day, celebrated on 18th May is an international day held annually and coordinated by the International Council of Museums. The event highlights a specific theme that changes every year, reflecting a relevant theme or issue faced by museums internationally.
Incorporation of AI in museums.
AI, also referred to as artificial intelligence, is now observed in use at various establishments, from robots serving in restaurants to self-driven cars, the technology now also plays a major role in cultural institutions such as Museums, curating an interactive experience for visitors. A museum traditionally focuses on roles such as preservation, education and exhibition, elevating the same, AI brought elements such as improved insights, increased interactiveness and expanded global reach by increasing digital accessibility of various museums through digital walkthroughs.
Using functions such as chat-bots and creating virtual guides, accessibility to information for visitors increased by also in-turn increasing interaction time. Technology such as usage of AR [Augmented Reality] and VR [Virtual Reality] brought immersive storytelling and interactive exhibits by creating AI-enhanced environments.
Improving visitor experiences by suggesting personalized exhibit paths, the goal of AI used at museums is clear – Creating a memorable visitor experience.
Accessibility and Inclusivity
Adding to achieving the goal of an inclusive experience, AI is used in real-time translations and subtitles, making content available for global visitors, facilitating global reach. Breaking language barriers by providing content in numerous languages, the use of AI increases accessibility and inclusivity, blurring global barriers.
With functions such as describing the museums’s artifacts through audio narration, interactive information, real-time translations and more.
Maintenance and Preservation
The incorporation of AI in museums is not limited to presentation and exhibition, the use expands to factors such as artifact management and preservation, previously done by constant human supervision between intervals, artifacts are now managed and preserved through use of digital sensors and image analyzers recognizing early signs of deterioration.
The sensors also classify and differentiate the artifacts for tagging, category classification and digitizing collections also referred to as automated cataloging and facial and object recognition.
AI has been a major elevator in overall management and maintenance of museums, in-turn improving the overall museum experience.
Research and Curation
Aiding in research and overall management through Data-Driven insights, helping elevate visitor experience, AI helps institutions study patterns, behaviors, and visitor feedback to effectively incorporate the same into management and functioning.
These systems also help research on historical pieces and gather relative information on the same, such as analyzing art styles, tracing history, authorship and patterns in artwork, assisting curators and historians.
Cons of AI usage
Challenges of Bias in AI Datasets When Interpreting Cultural Artifacts
Application of AI could also have its disadvantages to be reckoned with, AI algorithms learn from information, and if the datasets from which they learn are themselves biased—because they reflect overrepresentation of particular cultures, inaccurate historical facts, or Western worldview perspectives—then this will translate to misinterpretations or misrepresentations of cultural objects. For example, an AI system that learns about European art could not do justice to properly classify or situate Indigenous, African, or Asian artworks. This can continue to reinforce cultural imbalances and even lead to erasure or distortion of underrepresented stories. Ensuring diversity and inclusivity in training datasets, as well as monitoring by cultural experts, is necessary to avoid these risks.
With AI gaining the ability to create new works of art or restore destroyed or incomplete pieces, issues regarding ownership, originality, and authenticity arise. Who owns AI-created art, particularly if it replicates the work of an artist who died centuries ago? Likewise, AI-assisted restorations or reconstructions could add speculative content that undermines the authenticity of historical pieces. These situations blur classical concepts of artistic worth and origin, necessitating new models for ethical employment, legal acknowledgment, and disclosure in creative and curatorial endeavors.
Examples of AI usage in museums in India
- Da Vinci Genius Experience – Mumbai
An international experience brought to Mumbai, And an exemplary example of the usage of AI technology and history, the Da Vinci Experience brought this immersive experience to Mumbai’s NESCO centre. The experience brought patrons closer to the genius works of Leonardo Da Vinci with various displays such as interactive paintings, usage of AI to let attendees transform their designs into Da Vinci’s historic paintings, from Mona Lisa to The Last Supper.
The exhibition was an excellent representation of AI’s use in elevating the museum experience and its use in analyzing, interpreting, and studying artifacts.
To conclude, the incorporation of artificial intelligence in museums is revolutionizing the manner in which cultural institutions preserve, understand, and showcase history and art. From facilitating visitor experience through interactive guides and customized tours to streamlining collection handling and archival functions, AI is making museums more active, accessible, and relevant in the modern digital era. Although issues like ethical concerns, privacy of data, and the requirement for human intervention still exist, the correct application of AI can do much to enhance the experience of a museum and bring together heritage and innovation in an unrivaled union.
