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Trends, Challenges and the Future of Museums

December 10, 2019
Neil Heyman
It is no secret that technology has become an integral part of today’s culture. With an increased need to incorporate technology within museums, it seems that this evolution will define the future of cultural facilities. Whether incorporating immersive and educational tools to adapt to the museumgoer’s evolving expectations, retaining and engaging new visitors, or storing collections; museum owners, designers and building teams are working to identify design concepts to support the use of technology early on in strategic planning and project development. As many museums are already prioritizing digital initiatives and goals, it is important that design and construction teams remain at the forefront of this evolution to ensure that museums thrive and remain a centerpiece in our communities.

Technology platforms have proven to be a powerful tool for showcasing a museum’s collection and providing greater access to schools, researchers and a broader audience wishing to engage with a museum’s resources. In addition, as storage space is at a premium and some institutions are running low on space to house their collections when not on display, digitization has become a way in which museums can access and retrieve works and collections. Not only does this platform enable the museum to free up space, it can be used to allow visitors to access collections when not on exhibit.

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The augmented reality screen allows guests to ‘pet’ a mammoth and her calf, as well as a saber-tooth cat. ©Florida Museum photo by Kristen Grace

Museums working to create a more deeply immersive experience are utilizing Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR). Some are also beginning to incorporate Mixed Reality (MR), the latest in interactive technology. These platforms are becoming and will continue to be a fundamental component of the overall visitor experience.

Examples of this widely popular trend can be seen throughout Florida, where museums are on the cutting-edge of technology and education. The Perez Art Museum Miami , The Dali Museum,  the Florida Museum of Natural History and the Museum of Discovery and Science in Fort Lauderdale are each exploring new and innovative ways to use immersive technology to engage museumgoers.

As the museum experience evolves to engage the next generation, it is important for builders, designers and trades to remain current on the trends and challenges faced by our clients. Advocating for collaboration early on in design planning is critical, as it enables the opportunity to analyze various interactive technologies currently utilized in cultural facilities and explore future possibilities to ensure these institutions continue to thrive and provide optimal educational and immersive experiences.

Main Image credit:
Salvador Dalí. Nature Morte Vivante (Still Life-Fast Moving), 1969-70, Oil on canvas.
Collection of The Dalí Museum, St. Petersburg, FL (USA) 2019
Worldwide: ©Salvador Dalí, Fundació Gala-Salvador Dalí, (Artists Rights Society), 2019.
In the USA: © Salvador Dalí Museum, Inc., St. Petersburg, FL, 2019



About Authors
Neil Heyman is Gilbane’s Cultural and Performing Arts Center of Excellence leader. He is responsible for building relationships, collecting knowledge and sharing lessons learned to benefit our current and future clients. During his 38-year construction career, Neil has worked on numerous high-profile cultural projects throughout the country. With an understanding of the delicate nature of cultural facilities and the distinctive and complex requirements associated with these environments, Neil offers a wealth of knowledge to benefit our clients’ needs on their uniquely-individual projects.
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