Augmented Reality and Cultural Heritage: Enhancing Engagement through Interactive Experiences

Description

Augmented Reality (AR) offers transformative potential for the cultural heritage sector, creating dynamic, interactive experiences that bridge the physical and digital worlds. This presentation explores how AR technologies are being leveraged to enhance visitor engagement, deepen educational impact, and support preservation efforts within museums, galleries, and historical sites. Drawing upon the foundational work of Silva & Teixeira (2020) on developing immersive XR platforms, and illustrated with diverse examples from contemporary art and practice, we examine the spectrum of AR applications. From enhancing static museum exhibits and enabling virtual reconstructions to creating site-specific art installations and virtual galleries, AR provides powerful tools to make heritage more accessible, inclusive, and compelling. The discussion addresses key design principles, inherent challenges such as technology dependence and sustainability, and the broader implications for social justice and democratizing access. By analyzing projects like the Serralves Museum platform and artist initiatives such as Nancy Baker Cahill’s “Revolutions” and Olafur Eliasson’s “Wunderkammer,” this talk demonstrates AR’s capacity to enrich storytelling, foster deeper connections with audiences, and position cultural institutions at the forefront of technological innovation.

Period	25 Jul 2025
Held at	School of Arts
Degree of Recognition	Non academic