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Article

Revolutionising Heritage Interpretation with Smart Technologies: A Blueprint for Sustainable Tourism

by
Gokce Ozdemir
1,* and
Sayyeda Zonah
2
1
School of Social and Environmental Sustainability, Rutherford/McCowan Building, Crichton University Campus, University of Glasgow, Dumfries, Scotland DG1 4ZL, UK
2
Graduate School, Yaşar University, Izmir 35100, Turkey
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Sustainability 2025, 17(10), 4330; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17104330
Submission received: 17 March 2025 / Revised: 4 May 2025 / Accepted: 6 May 2025 / Published: 10 May 2025
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cultural Heritage and Sustainable Urban Tourism)
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Abstract

:
This study investigates the integration of digital technologies in leading European museums to enhance heritage interpretation, increase visitor engagement, and contribute to sustainable tourism. As museums increasingly adapt to the digital age, they seek innovative solutions to enrich the visitor experience while promoting sustainability. This research uses a content analysis approach to examine the strategies employed by four prominent museums—the Louvre, the British Museum, the Prado Museum, and the Rijksmuseum. Key digital initiatives, including virtual tours, educational apps, and online collections, are identified as central components of their efforts to improve accessibility, facilitate interactive learning, and attract a wider global audience. Our findings highlight that these digital innovations not only provide visitors with more engaging and informative experiences but also align with sustainability objectives such as reducing carbon footprints and supporting cultural preservation. This study concludes that by leveraging smart technologies, museums are evolving into dynamic, globally connected institutions that strike a balance between conservation and visitor engagement, thereby fostering a more sustainable and inclusive approach to heritage tourism.

1. Introduction

Museums have long served as vital cultural institutions, enriching communities by preserving and showcasing artistic, historical, and traditional heritage. Beyond their role in cultural tourism, where they attract visitors interested in prehistoric, folkloric, and artistic significance, they also function as recreational hubs for local populations. However, the digital age has transformed museums from static, physical spaces into dynamic, technology-enhanced institutions redefining how heritage is interpreted and experienced.
The integration of digital technologies in museums has been widely recognised as a means of extending cultural engagement beyond physical visits. Stylianou-Lambert [1] suggests that with digital advancements enabling museums to offer immersive and interactive learning experiences, cultural tourism seamlessly blends with everyday lifeThis digital shift not only enhances accessibility but also reshapes visitor expectations, emphasising the balance between knowledge and enjoyment [2]. Furthermore, museums provide rich architectural and cultural settings that allow audiences to explore historical narratives while embracing modern technological enhancements [3].
As museums evolve, they increasingly operate across multiple locations, both physically and virtually, reaching broader and more diverse audiences. Styliani et al. [4] highlight how internet technologies have significantly improved access to museum collections, creating opportunities for remote engagement. However, while digital transformation enhances visitor experiences, it also raises challenges regarding cultural preservation. Museums must prioritise the conservation of their collections, ensuring that technology serves as a tool for both accessibility and safeguarding heritage [2].
Digital platforms, including websites and social media, have also revolutionised museum marketing and management, extending museums’ reach to global audiences [5]. Through these channels, visitors can engage with exhibitions, interact with historical artefacts, and preview collections before visiting [6]. Marty [7] emphasises the importance of integrating digital engagement before, during, and after a museum visit to strengthen the audience’s connection with heritage content.
This study examines how leading European museums leverage digital technologies to enhance heritage interpretation, foster visitor engagement, and contribute to sustainable tourism. By analysing the digital strategies of four renowned institutions—the Louvre, the British Museum, the Prado Museum, and the Rijksmuseum—this research aims to evaluate the role of smart technologies in balancing conservation with accessibility. In doing so, it explores how museums can maintain their cultural integrity while embracing digital innovations that align with sustainability and evolving visitor expectations.

2. Literature Review

2.1. Heritage and Digitalisation

Digitalisation has transformed heritage preservation from a static conservation effort into a dynamic interplay between innovation, access, and sustainability. While researchers recognise the role of heritage in nation-building and image formation, particularly in Western nations [8], recent discourse has shifted towards understanding how digital technologies alter broader cultural and social transformations [9]. Digitalisation also reconfigures both the experience and management of heritage tourism [10]. However, the integration of sustainability as a critical dimension remains underdeveloped in many studies.
Several studies acknowledge the operational benefits of digital tools, such as enhanced visitor engagement and the preservation of artefacts and heritage sites through 3D laser scanning and photogrammetry [11,12]. However, these studies often lack a focus on sustainability. For instance, while Parry [13], Mowforth and Munt [14], and Di Franco et al. [15] raise important concerns about funding constraints and authenticity, these issues are rarely evaluated in regard to specific sustainability metrics, such as carbon footprint reduction or social inclusivity.
Empirical studies evaluating these contributions remain sparse. Notable exceptions include Navarrete [16], who explores how digital access enhances socioeconomic resilience, and Tang and Zhou [17], who link augmented reality (AR) applications to visitor satisfaction and repeat economic activity—an under-explored dimension of economic sustainability in cultural institutions. While digital tools contribute to environmental and social sustainability by increasing accessibility, reducing physical infrastructure, and democratising participation, ongoing debates highlight challenges such as the need for adequate staff and visitor training to maximise the benefits of these technologies [13,18].
Artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), AR, the Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, and 3D scanning are revolutionising the tourism industry by offering immersive, interactive, and educational experiences. These innovations deepen visitor engagement with cultural heritage, fostering emotional, intellectual, and recreational connections [19] while also aligning with sustainability goals by reducing reliance on resource-intensive physical exhibits. However, these digital technologies represent only the beginning.
User-generated content and crowdsourcing have also reshaped museum practices globally, influencing exhibition curation, ethical considerations, and participatory engagement in heritage preservation [20]. Therefore, digitalisation emerges as a key enabler at the intersection of innovation, sustainability, and cultural preservation, paving the way for more interactive and meaningful visitor experiences.

2.2. Digitalisation and Museums: Innovations and Engagement

As key players in cultural tourism, museums are uniquely positioned to leverage these digital tools for broader impact, extending their role beyond preservation to include visitor engagement and education [21]. The integration of digital technologies has transformed museum practices, enhancing visitor experiences and redefining operational models in ways that align with sustainability outcomes.
Smart technologies, such as IoT-enabled participatory sensing systems, bridge the gap between physical and virtual experiences [22], creating new ways for visitors to engage with museum collections. Similarly, AR and VR technologies bring exhibits to life through immersive, multisensory interactions that deepen visitor learning and engagement [23]. Such applications contribute to sustainability by minimising the physical strain on artefacts, lowering environmental impact, and improving accessibility.
AI and VR in museums expand opportunities for interactivity, accessibility, and personalised learning experiences [24], while social media and digital marketing foster broader engagement and inclusion [25,26]. Additionally, studies demonstrate that AR applications can enhance visitor satisfaction and economic sustainability through increased revenue and repeat visits [27].
Nevertheless, the tension between technological innovation and cultural authenticity persists [15]. Museums must adopt tailored strategies, including cross-sector partnerships, to strengthen their digital capabilities and navigate these challenges effectively [28]. Integrating AI with curatorial expertise enables museums to deepen cultural understanding and foster sustainable societal development [24]. The future of museums lies in adaptive digital transformation that enhances interactivity and accessibility, as well as generating data-driven insights into visitor behaviour [24].

2.3. Sustainability and Digital Heritage

Building on these emerging technologies, the concept of “smart heritage” integrates AI, AR, VR, 3D modelling, Big Data, IoT, and sensor-based innovations to enhance visitor expectations while creating demand for richer, more immersive experiences [19]. These advancements not only reshape the cultural tourism landscape but also foster sustainability by contributing to environmental responsibility, social inclusion, and cultural preservation.
Digitalisation plays a crucial role in connecting cultural heritage with sustainability imperatives. Museum-led sustainability initiatives increasingly address environmental concerns by reducing reliance on resource-intensive operations and promoting inclusive access for marginalised and disadvantaged groups [29]. Technologies such as 3D scanning, AR, and online platforms support these objectives by enhancing preservation, minimising environmental impact, and expanding global reach. Together, these innovations create a dynamic framework that safeguards cultural heritage while fostering a more inclusive and environmentally responsible approach to its preservation and dissemination.
Heritage tourism, deeply tied to cultural and historical legacy, relies on preservation for economic vitality [30]. The digitisation of heritage, particularly in museums and historical sites [31], has the potential to revolutionise cultural tourism [32], contributing to local economic development while ensuring long-term sustainability. This is increasingly important as the sector confronts risks associated with climate change, over-tourism, and the commodification of heritage [33].
By foregrounding sustainability, this paper refines its analytical lens. It argues that digitalisation in heritage tourism must be assessed not only for its innovative capacity but also for its ability to reduce environmental impact, enhance inclusivity, and strengthen economic resilience. This reframing aligns with calls for smart heritage approaches [34], which integrate AI, AR, VR, 3D modelling, Big Data, IoT, and sensor-based innovations within heritage institutions. These innovations not only enhance visitor expectations but also create demand for richer, more immersive experiences [19]. Emotional engagement evoked by immersive technologies [35] and digital storytelling [36] adds depth to interpretation and strengthens the connection between audiences and cultural heritage.
Despite the growing adoption of digital tools, few studies provide a focused approach to examining sustainability outcomes in the heritage context. This paper addresses that gap by analysing the digital sustainability strategies of four leading museums. Through a qualitative content analysis of institutional practices, this study explores how digital technologies contribute to environmental responsibility, social inclusion, and cultural preservation in museum contexts.

3. Materials and Methods

This study employs a qualitative case study approach combined with content analysis to examine digital technologies’ integration into cultural heritage institutions and their alignment with sustainability objectives. Qualitative methods are particularly effective when quantitative approaches are unsuitable [37]. Content analysis is used to examine textual data [38] and to categorise large datasets efficiently [39]. Four prominent European museums—the Louvre Museum, the British Museum, the Prado Museum, and the Rijksmuseum—were selected as case studies due to their internationally recognised collections, innovative use of digital tools, and strategic locations in smart cities committed to sustainable development. These museums serve as ideal contexts for exploring how digital technologies contribute to sustainable heritage management.
The case study approach [40] allows for an in-depth exploration of the relationship between museums and digital technologies. By applying qualitative content analysis to the museums’ websites, this study identifies patterns and strategies in their digital initiatives, providing valuable insights into how these technologies support sustainable museum practices [41,42].

3.1. Data Collection

The research involved collecting data from official museum websites, including webpages, virtual blogs, newsletters, and reports. Museum websites serve as valuable sources of information, offering direct insights into institutions’ digital strategies, initiatives, and ongoing projects. The Louvre Museum, the British Museum, the Prado Museum, and the Rijksmuseum were selected due to their international recognition, extensive collections, and pioneering use of digital transformations.
Data were collected from the websites based on their relevance to the themes of digitalisation, heritage, and sustainability. Only publicly accessible, English-language content published between January 2022 and December 2024 was included. This timeframe ensured the inclusion of the most relevant and up-to-date digital and sustainability practices. To ensure reliability and validity, multiple pages and sections from each website were reviewed. Data were gathered over a defined period to capture recent developments in digital museum practices. The selection criteria emphasised comprehensiveness, recency, and thematic relevance. Data were gathered from publicly available museum webpages, blogs, digital reports, and announcements to reflect current and planned digital strategies aimed at fostering sustainability.

3.2. Data Analysis

An inductive content analysis focusing on recurring patterns and digital themes was conducted to systematically examine the collected data [39]. The content analysis followed a three-stage inductive process guided by grounded theory principles [43]:
  • Open Coding: All collected data were thoroughly reviewed and organised based on their relevance to digitalisation.
  • Axial Coding: Open and axial coding methods were employed to identify and classify the key themes. For example, terms such as “X-ray” and “3D scans” were categorised under “Collection Digitisation”, while initiatives like “VR experience” and “Apps” were grouped under “Digital Access and Platforms”. This organisation of the data enabled a more focused analysis of how digital tools support sustainability goals.
  • Selective Coding: The coded data were interpreted in the context of broader sustainability objectives and in relation to frameworks such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
A coding framework was used to analyse and compare how the Louvre Museum, the British Museum, the Prado Museum, and the Rijksmuseum approach the digitalisation of heritage through various strategic domains, including online access, visitor engagement, sustainability, the digitisation of collections, conservation efforts, educational outreach, and inclusivity.
To improve reliability and minimise subjective bias, the coding process was reviewed collaboratively by both researchers. Each researcher independently coded a subset of the data (20%). These results were then compared. Discrepancies were discussed and resolved through consensus, and the coding scheme was refined iteratively. This detailed and systematic approach allowed for the extraction of rich, nuanced insights from the website content that demonstrated how digitalisation supports sustainability in cultural heritage institutions.

3.3. Results

This section presents a content analysis of the digital innovation strategies implemented by four major European museums (the Louvre, the British Museum, the Prado, and the Rijksmuseum) in relation to sustainability. Our objective was to critically assess not only the technological solutions adopted but also the extent to which these innovations substantively align with and support long-term SDGs in the cultural sector. Table 1 offers a comparative overview of these initiatives, laying the groundwork for a more detailed critical analysis of how each institution operationalises digital heritage strategies across key thematic areas.

3.3.1. Contribution to Environmental Sustainability

Across all four museums examined, digital innovation plays a critical role in mitigating the environmental impact of heritage tourism and institutional operations. At the Louvre, the implementation of VR experiences—most notably in redirecting visitor attention from overcrowded spaces, such as around the Mona Lisa—alleviates physical strain on both the infrastructure and artworks [44]. This strategy also contributes to a reduction in carbon emissions associated with travel, aligning with sustainable tourism practices [45].
Similarly, the Prado Museum’s extensive digital offerings, which include immersive 360-degree virtual tours and digitised collections, promote remote engagement and reduce reliance on resource-intensive physical exhibitions [46,47]. The British Museum advances this agenda through initiatives such as the Cyprus Digitisation Project and the Sloane Lab, which provide global digital access to artefacts. These efforts not only eliminate the ecological costs of on-site visitation but also facilitate non-invasive research and long-term preservation through the application of advanced imaging technologies [48,49].
In the Rijksmuseum, sustainability is similarly embedded in projects. Its Operation Night Watch, for example, employs artificial intelligence and Reflectance Imaging Spectroscopy (RIS) to analyse and preserve artworks digitally [50]. All four institutions also leverage digital transformation to enhance operational efficiency. For example, the Louvre’s data-driven crowd management systems optimise energy use and reduce environmental impact [51]. Moreover, the deployment of 3D scanning and digital replicas at the British Museum and the Prado minimises physical interaction with fragile objects, thereby supporting sustainable conservation and exhibition practices [45] (Figure 1).

3.3.2. Advances in Social Inclusion Through Digital Tools

Digital technologies are also being deployed across the museums to foster social inclusion and address disparities in cultural access. The Louvre’s Beyond the Glass VR initiative offers remote, multilingual access to the Mona Lisa and other masterpieces, significantly lowering barriers to participation for international and mobility-impaired audiences. The British Museum’s Samsung Digital Discovery Centre (SDDC) expands on this inclusive approach by delivering immersive AR and VR educational content to underserved communities, particularly young people and those in geographically marginalised areas [52].
The Prado Museum fosters engagement through playful digital tools such as the Photo Prado AR app, which invites user interaction and social sharing via the hashtag #PhotoPrado. This initiative enhances emotional connection to the collection and supports the museum’s broader goal of eliminating structural barriers to access [46]. At the Rijksmuseum, VR outreach programmes targeting nursing home residents exemplify how digital tools can address both physical and cognitive access challenges, enabling inclusive participation regardless of age or ability.

3.3.3. Educational Innovation and Digital Storytelling

Education is a central objective in the digital transformation strategies of all four museums. At the Louvre, self-directed learning is facilitated through the Petite Galerie AR app and interactive tools like the Nintendo 3DS guide, both of which are particularly effective in engaging younger and international audiences [51]. The British Museum enriches learning through VR reconstructions of the Bronze Age and Viking periods that create immersive, narrative-driven experiences [53]. These are complemented by global initiatives such as the Endangered Material Knowledge Programme (EMKP), which digitally preserves intangible heritage practices, including traditional beekeeping in Kenya and paper clothing-making in Japan.
The Prado Museum enhances digital literacy and historical comprehension through its AI-driven Timeline Storytelling interface, which offers personalised, story-rich access to the collection [54]. Educational engagement is further supported by teacher training and community outreach programmes led by the museum’s Education Department. Meanwhile, the Rijksmuseum employs gamified experiences—including a digital treasure hunt and the Rembrandt Reality app—to blend entertainment with pedagogical value [55]. The CHIP (Cultural Heritage Information Personalisation) system reinforces this educational strategy by enabling visitors to create customised tours, promoting autonomy and lifelong learning [56].

3.3.4. Open Access, Global Collaboration, and Digital Equity

A shared commitment to open access and global collaboration characterises the sustainability strategies of these institutions. The Prado Museum set an early precedent by making its entire collection freely available online for academic and public use, a milestone in the democratisation of cultural heritage [44]. The British Museum similarly supports open access, through public digital records and international digitisation partnerships.
The Rijksmuseum’s Rijksstudio platform furthers this agenda by enabling the public to creatively reuse copyright-free images, thus expanding both educational utility and participatory engagement [55]. The Louvre contributes to global cultural preservation through collaborative initiatives such as the Louvre-Lens conservation programme and digitisation efforts in conflict zones like Afghanistan and Iraq, including 3D reconstructions of historical sites such as Darius’s palace in Susa [57].
However, these digital transformations raise critical ethical considerations. For example, the Louvre’s use of Bluetooth tracking technologies for visitor analytics necessitates stringent data privacy safeguards and comprehensive staff training [58]. Furthermore, disparities in digital infrastructure and literacy could exacerbate existing social inequalities if not adequately addressed. Ensuring equitable access must remain a core objective of any digital heritage initiative.

3.3.5. Linking Innovation and Sustainability in Digital Heritage Interpretation

The case studies presented illustrate a diverse but converging set of practices in which digital innovation is deployed to enhance the sustainability and inclusivity of heritage interpretation. Although each museum tailors its digital strategy to its specific institutional context, common themes emerge across the four cases. Chief among these is the utilisation of digital technologies not merely as supplementary tools, but as integral mechanisms for achieving long-term sustainability.
Virtual access, AI-driven conservation, and 3D modelling collectively support environmentally responsible operations and broaden institutional reach. In parallel, with targeted initiatives designed to engage marginalised populations—including those with mobility impairments, those in rural or isolated settings, and neurodiverse individuals—digital tools are reshaping the museum’s social role. Programmes such as the British Museum’s SDDC, the Prado’s AR-based outreach, the Louvre’s multilingual VR content, and the Rijksmuseum’s VR experiences for older adults collectively redefine cultural institutions as socially sustainable and participatory spaces.
Additionally, the increasing personalisation of the museum experience—through technologies like CHIP and interactive mobile applications—fosters deeper user engagement, supports repeat visitation, and encourages self-directed learning. These developments signal a broader institutional shift from the traditional museum as a static repository of artefacts to a dynamic, digitally networked platform capable of engaging diverse, global publics. In doing so, the convergence of digital innovation, education, and sustainability positions these museums at the forefront of efforts to build resilient, inclusive, and environmentally responsible cultural futures.

3.3.6. Critical Reflections and a Framework for Future Sustainability in Digital Heritage

The case studies presented in this section illustrate how digital innovation is reshaping sustainable heritage interpretation in four leading European museums. While each institution tailors its digital strategies to distinct organisational missions and operational contexts, a comparative analysis reveals key thematic patterns, institutional tensions, and varying sustainability priorities.
A central finding is that digital technologies are no longer peripheral tools but have become integral to sustainable museum practice. Initiatives such as the Louvre’s use of VR for visitor management and the British Museum’s digitisation of delicate artefacts highlight a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability and operational efficiency. These efforts reduce the physical strain on collections, lower carbon emissions associated with travel, and minimise the need for resource-intensive exhibitions. However, despite their technological sophistication, such initiatives often lean towards eco-efficiency and risk remaining top-down in design, offering limited opportunities for user interaction or co-creation.
Conversely, institutions like the Rijksmuseum and the Prado Museum place greater emphasis on social and educational sustainability. Their deployment of AR, gamified learning, and personalisation tools demonstrates a commitment to accessibility, emotional engagement, and lifelong learning. These initiatives align more closely with cultural sustainability goals by fostering inclusive and meaningful encounters with heritage. However, their environmental impact is less direct, revealing a trade-off between user-centred design and ecological optimisation.

4. Discussion

According to our findings, each museum examined employs a distinctive strategy for leveraging digital technologies, aligning their approaches with specific SDGs to foster more inclusive, accessible, and sustainable cultural experiences. These strategies are instrumental not only in fostering operational innovation but also in reshaping heritage interpretation by enabling deeper, more participatory engagement with cultural narratives.
The deployment of digital platforms to provide online access to collections, particularly by the Rijksmuseum and the Louvre, serves as a compelling example of how technology enhances interpretive outreach while contributing to SDG 12, Responsible Consumption and Production. Through high-resolution imaging, metadata-rich catalogues, and searchable databases, these museums reduce the need for physical travel and extend interpretive experiences globally. This aligns with Navarrete and Mackenzie Owen’s [59] assertion that digitisation broadens access to museum content, thereby supporting more inclusive and globally distributed engagement with cultural heritage.
Digital tools also enrich interpretive strategies by offering immersive experiences. AR, VR, and mobile apps, as deployed by the Louvre and British Museum, support SDG 11, Sustainable Cities and Communities, by minimising tourism-related emissions while offering layered, interactive narratives. Han et al. [60] demonstrated that AR enhances visitor satisfaction by providing immersive contextual information and facilitating deeper interaction with cultural sites. These technologies expand interpretive possibilities, thus supporting more engaging and meaningful heritage experiences. These approaches are also consistent with Tilden’s [61] foundational principles of heritage interpretation, which emphasise revealing meanings behind objects rather than merely presenting facts. Table 2 illustrates how these digital tools align with the SDGs and enrich interpretive practices, offering a roadmap for sustainable and meaningful engagement with heritage.
In line with SDG 10, Reduced Inequalities, the Louvre’s and Rijksmuseum’s emphasis on personalisation and user accessibility through tools like Rijksstudio and multi-sensory approaches demonstrates how digital heritage interpretation can address barriers related to ability, geography, and socioeconomic status. These efforts resonate with McCall and Gray’s [62] argument for participatory heritage, where digital interaction fosters inclusivity and a sense of shared ownership over cultural narratives.
The Rijksmuseum’s AI-powered initiatives, particularly Operation Night Watch, exemplify how artificial intelligence can revolutionise heritage preservation and interpretation. These tools support SDG 9, Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, by improving conservation techniques and making behind-the-scenes processes part of the public interpretive experience. Kenderdine [63] argues that digital interventions in heritage settings offer new frameworks for storytelling and audience co-creation, allowing institutions to move beyond static displays towards dynamic, real-time engagement.
By contrast, although the British Museum and the Prado Museum incorporate digital tools such as gamification and AR to enhance visitor experiences, their integration of these technologies into a cohesive sustainability framework appears comparatively fragmented. This underscores the need for integrated frameworks that combine digital strategy with interpretive planning, as emphasised by Parry [64], to ensure that digital heritage interventions contribute meaningfully to both educational and environmental goals. Buhalis et al. [65] similarly argue that technological disruptions must be strategically embedded within service ecosystems to generate long-term value—insights that are directly applicable to the heritage sector, where digital innovation should be aligned with interpretive depth, audience engagement, and institutional sustainability.
In conclusion, this study demonstrates that when employed strategically, digital tools contribute not only to sustainability objectives but also to the evolving field of heritage interpretation. These technologies redefine how narratives are constructed, who contributes to them, and who can access them, thereby reinforcing the role of museums as inclusive, dynamic interpreters of cultural heritage in an increasingly digital world.

5. Conclusions

The effective implementation of digital transformation in museums significantly reduces environmental impact by minimising the need for travel while maintaining global accessibility. Technologies such as tactile exhibits and audio guides enhance inclusivity, ensuring that individuals with mobility or sensory impairments can fully engage with museum collections.
Museums that integrate sustainable conservation practices with advanced digital tools, such as 3D scanning, digital restoration, and artificial intelligence, contribute to the long-term preservation of cultural artefacts while expanding public access. These innovations not only safeguard heritage for future generations but also enhance the resilience of exhibits. Both physical and digital accessibility are essential for sustaining audience engagement, attracting diverse demographics, and increasing opportunities for funding and partnerships that support inclusivity and sustainability in the arts. By prioritising accessibility, museums not only improve visitor satisfaction but also reinforce their role as forward-thinking cultural institutions committed to long-term sustainability.
By leveraging digital tools, museums and heritage sites can enrich visitor experiences, enhance conservation efforts, and create lasting, meaningful engagement. Effectively balancing digital and physical interpretations of heritage allows cultural institutions to generate positive social, economic, and environmental outcomes [32]. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on digital transformation in the cultural heritage sector by providing a structured analysis of how digital tools align with sustainability goals. Theoretically, it broadens the discourse on the intersection of digitalisation and sustainability in museums by reinforcing the role of technology in advancing the three pillars of sustainability—environmental, social, and economic.
The findings present a conceptual framework for understanding how digital innovations influence accessibility, engagement, and conservation. Furthermore, this research highlights the importance of inclusivity and long-term resilience in digital heritage interpretation, positioning museums as key players in sustainable development. From a practical perspective, this study offers valuable insights for museum professionals, policymakers, and technology developers. It highlights best practices in digital engagement, such as AI-powered interactive tools, high-resolution digital repositories, and AR-enhanced storytelling, which can be leveraged to enhance visitor experiences while supporting conservation efforts.
Additionally, this study emphasises the role of strategic partnerships—such as those between museums and technology firms—in driving innovation and sustainability. For policymakers, our findings suggest that funding and regulatory frameworks should actively support digitalisation efforts, particularly in smaller institutions that may lack the resources of major museums. Finally, the study pinpoints the need for the ongoing evaluation of digital tools to assess their effectiveness, inclusivity, and environmental impact and ensure that technological advancements align with SDGs.
Moreover, it has been observed that museums may not provide extensive details about their technological advancements on their official websites, but these innovations are often showcased through press releases or on the websites of their technology partners. This highlights the need for website content creators and digital strategy teams to closely collaborate in communicating museums’ technological advancements. By proactively presenting and effectively showcasing how museums integrate digital tools, these teams can foster greater public understanding and engagement with museums’ missions, particularly in the context of sustainability and inclusivity.
This study has certain limitations. It primarily focuses on four prominent European museums with well-established digital infrastructures, which restricts the geographical scope of the analysis. Furthermore, the digital framework of these museums was constructed largely based on information available through their official websites and in the existing literature. This reliance introduces a limitation, as it may not capture unpublished initiatives or ongoing digital projects that have yet to be implemented. Future research should explore the long-term effects of digital initiatives on visitor behaviour and engagement levels. Expanding the geographical scope to include museums in the United States, as well as institutions in other regions and heritage sites, would provide a more comprehensive understanding of global best practices. By addressing these gaps, future research can offer valuable insights into how digital transformation fosters sustainability, inclusivity, and long-term engagement in museums. Such research will be crucial in ensuring that cultural heritage remains accessible, relevant, and resilient in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

Author Contributions

Conceptualisation, G.O.; methodology, G.O. and S.Z.; writing—original draft preparation, G.O. and S.Z.; writing—review and editing, G.O. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This research received no external funding.

Institutional Review Board Statement

Not applicable.

Data Availability Statement

Data are contained within the article.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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Sustainability 17 04330 g001
Figure 1. Digitalisation of heritage in museums. Source: britishmuseum.org, museodelprado.es, louvre.fr, rijksmuseum.nl.
Figure 1. Digitalisation of heritage in museums. Source: britishmuseum.org, museodelprado.es, louvre.fr, rijksmuseum.nl.
Sustainability 17 04330 g001
Table 1. Comparison of Digital Heritage Strategies in Leading European Museums.
Table 1. Comparison of Digital Heritage Strategies in Leading European Museums.
LouvreBritish MuseumPradoRijksmuseum
Online Access and Digital PlatformsVR/AR apps, multilingual access, interactive siteSDDC, remote VR/AR tools, full digitisationImmersive site, AR app, high-res imagesOpen-access tools (Rijksstudio, RijksTube), mobile VR tours
Visitor Engagement ToolsAR youth apps, Bluetooth tracking, personalised toursThemed VR exhibits, sensory maps, app toursAR postcards, AI timelines, interactive learningGamified tours, CHIP personalisation, tour recommender
SustainabilityVR to reduce crowding/travel, energy use trackingRemote access + XR imaging to cut material useAR/VR tourism, inclusive renovationsOnline-first model, elderly VR access, digital-first outreach
Digitisation of Collections490k+ works, AI tours, endangered heritage focus4.5M items, advanced imaging, global access projects, X-raysDeep 3D scans, rich metadata800k+ works, open image bank, AI-assisted projects
Preservation EffortsAI, 3D restoration, Louvre-Lens conservation labCT scans, digital replicas, long-term conservationAI, solarisation, digital restoration modelsOperation Night Watch (livestreamed + AI), RIS scans
Educational OutreachAR learning, mobile tools, digital storytellingVR school programs, EMKP heritage projectsTiered strategy, online curriculumGamified learning, CHIP for education, digital workshops
Accessibility and inclusivityMultilingual, Bluetooth toolsSensory and neurodivergent support, visual/audio aidsGlobal access, AR for diverse learning needsMultilingual, sign language tours, inclusive platforms
Table 2. Alignment of Digital Tools with Sustainability Goals and Heritage Interpretation.
Table 2. Alignment of Digital Tools with Sustainability Goals and Heritage Interpretation.
Digital ToolSDGs AddressedHeritage Interpretation Alignment
Gamification and digital interactions (e.g., digital treasure hunt)SDG 4: Quality EducationMakes heritage learning engaging through play, fostering deeper emotional and cognitive connections with cultural sites.
AR appsSDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and InfrastructureBrings historical and cultural contexts to life, enriching on-site and remote heritage experiences.
VR experiencesSDG 3: Good Health and Well-beingOffers immersive storytelling that makes inaccessible heritage sites available to all, including people with physical or geographic limitations.
3D scanning and digital replicasSDG 12: Responsible Consumption and ProductionDigitally preserves artefacts and monuments, allowing interpretive access while reducing wear and damage to originals.
AI-powered curation and personalisationSDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and InfrastructureEnhances interpretive narratives by tailoring experiences to diverse user backgrounds and interests, making heritage more relatable.
Digital collection platformsSDG 10: Reduced InequalitiesBroadens access to heritage resources worldwide, breaking barriers related to geography, mobility, and socioeconomic status.
Immersive digital exhibitions (e.g., 360-degree experiences)SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and CommunitiesProvides interpretive heritage content remotely, reducing the need for travel while supporting global cultural understanding.
LED lighting for sustainabilitySDG 7: Affordable and Clean EnergyEnables sustainable exhibition design, supporting long-term heritage display and interpretation in an energy-efficient manner.
Interactive online platforms (e.g., podcasts, digital tours)SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and CommunitiesDelivers rich interpretive narratives and multi-sensory content, extending educational outreach and promoting community-based heritage engagement.
Source: Compiled by the authors.
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Ozdemir, G.; Zonah, S. Revolutionising Heritage Interpretation with Smart Technologies: A Blueprint for Sustainable Tourism. Sustainability 2025, 17, 4330. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17104330

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Ozdemir G, Zonah S. Revolutionising Heritage Interpretation with Smart Technologies: A Blueprint for Sustainable Tourism. Sustainability. 2025; 17(10):4330. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17104330

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Ozdemir, Gokce, and Sayyeda Zonah. 2025. "Revolutionising Heritage Interpretation with Smart Technologies: A Blueprint for Sustainable Tourism" Sustainability 17, no. 10: 4330. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17104330

APA Style

Ozdemir, G., & Zonah, S. (2025). Revolutionising Heritage Interpretation with Smart Technologies: A Blueprint for Sustainable Tourism. Sustainability, 17(10), 4330. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17104330

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