Bringing Art to Life with Augmented Reality
One standout example of this approach is The Keeper of Paintings and the Palette of Perception, an AR app developed by the National Gallery in London. Aimed at children aged 7 to 11, this digital treasure hunt encourages young visitors to explore the gallery, solve puzzles, and uncover hidden details in famous paintings. What makes it particularly effective is that it was co-created with over 80 children, ensuring the experience resonates with its intended audience. The combination of storytelling, gamification, and AR transforms the gallery into an interactive adventure, making art appreciation more engaging for young minds.
Digital Discovery at the British Museum
The British Museum’s Samsung Digital Discovery Centre takes a slightly different approach by offering free digital activities, including interactive workshops and AR experiences. This initiative allows children to explore ancient artefacts in ways that wouldn’t be possible in a traditional setting. By using Samsung tablets, young visitors can ‘handle’ virtual objects, reconstruct historical artefacts, and even see 3D models of items from different angles. The success of this programme lies in its ability to make history feel personal and accessible, encouraging curiosity and engagement through technology.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many museums faced the challenge of keeping children engaged while physical visits were impossible. In response, the Science Museum Group and the Natural History Museum developed two AR mobile apps: My Dino Mission AR and My Robot Mission AR. These apps allowed children to interact with dinosaurs and robots in their own homes, turning learning into a hands-on, playful experience.
The key to these apps' success was their ability to merge education with entertainment—a concept known as "edutainment." By allowing children to complete challenges and interact with 3D models, these apps made museum content accessible beyond the physical walls of the institutions. This shift to digital learning ensured that engagement with cultural institutions didn’t stop, even during a global lockdown.
Why These Approaches Work
The success of these initiatives lies in their ability to make learning feel like play. Here are some key reasons why they are so effective:
Interactivity: Touchscreens, AR, and VR provide hands-on experiences that captivate young minds more than static displays.
Storytelling: By incorporating narratives, museums transform exhibitions into engaging adventures.
Co-Creation: Involving children in the development process ensures content is appealing and relevant to their interests.
Accessibility: Using widely available technology like smartphones and tablets makes these experiences easy to access both on-site and at home.
Technology is proving to be a powerful tool in making museums more engaging for children. By blending education with play, these innovations not only make learning more enjoyable but also foster a lasting curiosity for culture, history, and science. As digital tools continue to evolve, museums will have even more opportunities to create immersive experiences that inspire the next generation.