3D virtual exhibitions

The virtual recreation of a physical three dimensional (3D) exhibition or museum allows a visitor to navigate in this virtual scenario in a way closer to reality. This issue is particularly relevant when the museum building is by itself a piece of art, as it is often the case. In this paper, the use of virtual 3D models in the domain of cultural diffusion is analysed, considering the common aspects of its application either for collections of museum's or for buildings and artifacts deteriorated or destroyed along the time. A wide range of applications are presented to exemplify the different requirements and techniques that can be considered in this domain. Techniques to create 3D models are reviewed as they are the base to generate a virtual environment and special attention is given to applications devoted to the development of 3D virtual museum exhibitions.