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Heritage
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Multisensory Museums: Richer Experiences, Inclusivity and Accessibility to Cultural Heritage
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Multisensory Museums: Richer Experiences, Inclusivity and Accessibility to Cultural Heritage

A special issue of Heritage (ISSN 2571-9408). This special issue belongs to the section "Museum and Heritage".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2025 | Viewed by 13910

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Eva Pietroni

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
National Research Council, Institute of Heritage Science (CNR-ISPC), 00015 Rome, Italy
Interests: virtual museums; digital technologies for museums; virtual reality; 3D modelling; virtual reconstruction; interaction design; storytelling; hybridization of media (virtual reality, theatrical and cinematographic language, augmented reality, video games, holography); soundscape
Dr. Anna Maria Marras

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Dipartimento di Studi Storici, Università degli Studi di Torino, Palazzo Nuovo, Via S. Ottavio 20, Turin, Italy
Interests: museums; GLAMS; digital library; knowledge information; accessibility; artificial intelligence; well-being

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Despite the great contributions that multimedia, virtual reality, and mixed reality can offer to the museum sector, the collections on display (especially archaeological and art historical ones) are often still limited by a lack of legibility, contextualization, and sensory immersion. Stories that can instead foster a deeper understanding of a given topic and build a bridge between past and present are necessary.

Embodiment, emotional involvement, and multisensoriality are essential elements in the creation of an “experience” and in learning processes. The convergence of different paradigms and languages in museums, from virtual and mixed reality to multimedia, can help to convey cultural content in an engaging and inclusive way while respecting the need for scientific validity.

Digital and multisensory methods can also facilitate accessibility to cultural heritage by creating multiple levels of interaction and experiential channels. Factors determining the museum experience include the following: the comprehensibility and credibility of stories; communicative rhythm; coherence between word, image, and sound in the narration; quality of the content; the usability of technologies and interfaces; balance between free interaction and guided tours; the duration of narrative units and their dissemination along the visitor’s path; sound; and the quality of content solutions that encourage both intimate reflection and dynamics of social exchange. Thus, physical and virtual fruition become part of the same knowledge-acquiring process.

Dr. Eva Pietroni
Dr. Anna Maria Marras
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Heritage is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • cultural heritage
  • museums
  • multisensory experience
  • mixed reality
  • hybrid reality
  • accessibility
  • learning process
  • cultural transmission
  • storytelling
  • interaction

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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30 pages, 954 KiB  
Article
Stored Collections and Accessibility: An Overview in New Zealand Museums
by Lara Corona and Marta Crispí
Heritage 2025, 8(5), 162; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8050162 - 5 May 2025
Viewed by 255
Abstract
Most museum collections are not displayed since they are held in storage, out of visitors’ reach. However, little is known about the size of stored collections, how they are used, and to what extent museums enhance their accessibility in New Zealand museums. This [...] Read more.
Most museum collections are not displayed since they are held in storage, out of visitors’ reach. However, little is known about the size of stored collections, how they are used, and to what extent museums enhance their accessibility in New Zealand museums. This study aims to provide an overview of the size of stored collections, the strategies adopted by museums, and how these solutions impact the accessibility of stored collections in museums in New Zealand. Data were gathered through a survey sent to the New Zealand office of ICOM and direct invitations to museums between December 2020 and January 2021. Respondents represented different museums’ legal statuses, sizes, and collections. The results show that 84% of collections are held in storage. Strategies such as the rotation of items enabled museums to use 28% of stored collections. In comparison, 18% of stored items were used through loans and 17% through exchanges, making them accessible to everyone. Specifically, it was found that the most effective strategies in terms of accessibility are visible storage, with 55% usability of stored collections, and the digitisation of collections, with 41%. These findings indicate that factors such as different legal statuses of museums, sizes, and types of collections, might impact the use of stored collections. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multisensory Museums: Richer Experiences, Inclusivity and Accessibility to Cultural Heritage)
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61 pages, 11381 KiB  
Article
Multisensory Museums, Hybrid Realities, Narration, and Technological Innovation: A Discussion Around New Perspectives in Experience Design and Sense of Authenticity
by Eva Pietroni
Heritage 2025, 8(4), 130; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8040130 - 3 Apr 2025
Viewed by 1137
Abstract
This paper examines multisensory museums, envisioned as extended or hybrid realities where the physical and digital coexist to offer cognitively and emotionally engaging experiences to the public, while enhancing the sense of authenticity. Multisensory communication can improve accessibility, as it conveys the content [...] Read more.
This paper examines multisensory museums, envisioned as extended or hybrid realities where the physical and digital coexist to offer cognitively and emotionally engaging experiences to the public, while enhancing the sense of authenticity. Multisensory communication can improve accessibility, as it conveys the content through multiple perceptual channels, and it can solicit more inclusive, participatory, and creative audience engagement through the stimulation of emotions. A methodological approach to digitisation, communication strategies, interaction, creative storytelling, immersive technologies, and accessibility issues are discussed in depth, in relation to emerging museological practices. Machine learning and generative AI are opening new scenarios in management practices and decision-making, in data analyses and in natural language processing, and in the creation of personalised content addressed to the audience. A short overview about how these algorithms evolve and work is presented, considering the challenges, threats, expectations, and ethical implications they pose. Another key topic is the sense of authenticity. How is it changing in today’s users? How do virtual and mixed realities, storytelling, and user experience design in museums influence it? This paper explores these issues, presenting some case studies which have cultural, social, philosophical, and ethical implications, at a time when museums are redesigning their role in a society undergoing profound transformation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multisensory Museums: Richer Experiences, Inclusivity and Accessibility to Cultural Heritage)
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24 pages, 20196 KiB  
Article
Inclusive Museum Engagement: Multisensory Storytelling of Cagli Warriors’ Journey and the Via Flamina Landscape Through Interactive Tactile Experiences and Digital Replicas
by Paolo Clini, Romina Nespeca, Umberto Ferretti, Federica Galazzi and Monica Bernacchia
Heritage 2025, 8(2), 61; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8020061 - 6 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1697
Abstract
This paper presents a case study from the Archaeological and Via Flaminia Museum in Cagli (Italy), developed within the ERASMUS+ Next-Museum project, which explores inclusive approaches through the digital transformation of small museums and their connection to the surrounding territory. A key goal [...] Read more.
This paper presents a case study from the Archaeological and Via Flaminia Museum in Cagli (Italy), developed within the ERASMUS+ Next-Museum project, which explores inclusive approaches through the digital transformation of small museums and their connection to the surrounding territory. A key goal was to “return” bronze statuettes to the museum, symbolically compensating the community for their absence. The initiative integrates accessibility and multisensory storytelling following “Design for All” principles. Three installations were implemented: tactile replicas of the statuettes produced through 3D printing, a sensorized table for interactive storytelling, and a story map displayed on a touchscreen for exploring local archaeological heritage. The design prioritized inclusivity, particularly for visitors with visual impairments, while addressing practical constraints such as the need for a mobile and flexible setup within a limited budget. Verification and validation tests were conducted with visually impaired participants during the pre-opening phase, and the installations were later evaluated using the User Experience Questionnaire, complemented by qualitative feedback. These evaluations highlight the potential of phygital experiences to foster engagement with cultural heritage while addressing technological and design challenges. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multisensory Museums: Richer Experiences, Inclusivity and Accessibility to Cultural Heritage)
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21 pages, 2536 KiB  
Article
Phygital Experience Platform for Textile Exhibitions in Small Local Museums
by Supaporn Chai-Arayalert, Supattra Puttinaovarat and Wanida Saetang
Heritage 2025, 8(1), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8010035 - 20 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1227
Abstract
This study introduces a comprehensive phygital framework tailored for small local museums, addressing the unique challenges of textile exhibitions. By seamlessly integrating physical artifacts with advanced digital tools through a user-centered design–thinking approach, the platform transforms traditional museum visits into hybrid experiences. The [...] Read more.
This study introduces a comprehensive phygital framework tailored for small local museums, addressing the unique challenges of textile exhibitions. By seamlessly integrating physical artifacts with advanced digital tools through a user-centered design–thinking approach, the platform transforms traditional museum visits into hybrid experiences. The research addresses challenges faced by small museums, such as limited interactivity, static information presentation, and resource constraints. The findings demonstrate that the phygital platform significantly enhances visitor satisfaction, usability, and engagement. Features like mobile applications, chatbots, and gamification foster dynamic interactions, increasing interest in historical textile collections. The evaluation highlights positive impacts on visitor learning and accessibility, with high usability scores and favorable feedback confirming the platform’s success. By bridging physical and digital realms, the platform empowers small local museums to modernize their exhibition experience offerings while preserving their authenticity and cultural significance. This study contributes to the growing literature on phygital strategies in museum contexts, offering practical recommendations for implementing such platforms in resource-constrained settings. The findings underscore the potential of phygital approaches to foster deeper connections with cultural heritage, ensure broader accessibility, and support sustainable visitor engagement. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multisensory Museums: Richer Experiences, Inclusivity and Accessibility to Cultural Heritage)
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19 pages, 62151 KiB  
Article
Creative Environmental Exhibition: Revealing Insights through Multi-Sensory Museum Experiences and Vignette Analysis for Enhanced Audience Engagement
by Fiona Carroll, Jon Pigott, Aidan Taylor, Simon Thorne and Joel Pinney
Heritage 2024, 7(1), 76-94; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7010003 - 21 Dec 2023
Viewed by 3283
Abstract
In an era where an increasing number of people find it challenging to grasp scientifically accurate environmental data, the need for more engaging museum exhibits to convey this information has never been more crucial. This article discusses Daptec Flat Holm which is a [...] Read more.
In an era where an increasing number of people find it challenging to grasp scientifically accurate environmental data, the need for more engaging museum exhibits to convey this information has never been more crucial. This article discusses Daptec Flat Holm which is a data physicalisation technology project on Flat Holm Island, Wales. Flat Holm Island is designated as a site of special scientific interest and is a local nature reserve. This project aims to understand how we might improve people’s engagement with environmental data through a multi-sensory museum exhibit. To achieve this, the project team applied a new creative approach to make the presentation of environmental data more engaging to a diverse science museum audience. Employing a user-centered methodology, this study reveals insights derived from three distinct user experience investigations conducted during the summer of 2022. The main contribution lies in how the researchers have extracted the nuances from the audience reactions and then identified potential audience types, their points of engagement, as well as their challenges. In detail, the findings illustrate how the application of a vignette data analysis technique revealed distinct audience types, including passive observers, active users, engaged ambassadors, disinterested participants, critical friends, and enthusiastic collaborators. In summary, the paper offers recommendations into how we might further engage a broader audience in technology mediated environmental museum exhibitions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multisensory Museums: Richer Experiences, Inclusivity and Accessibility to Cultural Heritage)
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Review

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24 pages, 531 KiB  
Review
Museums for Older Adults and Mobility-Impaired People: Applying Inclusive Design Principles and Digital Storytelling Guidelines—A Review
by Kittichai Kasemsarn, Antika Sawadsri, David Harrison and Farnaz Nickpour
Heritage 2024, 7(4), 1893-1916; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7040090 - 24 Mar 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4249
Abstract
The research problems addressed in this article pertain to the limited understanding and insufficient availability of digital storytelling guidelines for elderly and physically impaired individuals in museum presentations. The objective of this review is to explore digital storytelling guidelines along with the latest [...] Read more.
The research problems addressed in this article pertain to the limited understanding and insufficient availability of digital storytelling guidelines for elderly and physically impaired individuals in museum presentations. The objective of this review is to explore digital storytelling guidelines along with the latest technology in museums catering to older adults and those with mobility impairments. This literature review included databases such as Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, covering the period from 2000 to 2023. Researchers comprehensively examined and employed content analysis to categorize all papers into three primary themes: (1) inclusive design for museum presentations; (2) trends in technology for digital storytelling in museum presentations; (3) guidelines for digital storytelling in museum presentations. This review article could enhance understanding and promote diversity, accessibility, and motivation among two specific groups of museum visitors, both onsite and online. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multisensory Museums: Richer Experiences, Inclusivity and Accessibility to Cultural Heritage)
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