AI-Driven XR Applications in Cultural Heritage: A New Era of Interactive Museums

In the evolving landscape of cultural heritage, emerging technologies are playing a pivotal role in transforming how historical and artistic insights are conveyed to the public. The advent of Extended Reality (XR) and the Metaverse has revolutionized the traditional methodologies of heritage interpretation, leveraging dynamic and immersive formats to engage modern audiences. Particularly, the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in museums has catalyzed a profound shift; AI capabilities have not only streamlined the identification and organization of artefacts but also enriched the participatory experience through advanced virtual and augmented realities. These technologies enable visitors to traverse time and geography, providing a deep, interactive exploration of cultural epochs and narratives.

This Research Topic aims to illuminate how the convergence of AI, XR, and gamification enriches the interpretation and presentation of cultural heritage. The goal is to collect innovative studies that address the integration of these technologies in creating engaging, educational, and interactive heritage experiences. By combining AI with augmented and mixed realities, researchers and practitioners are discovering novel methods to tell stories and fascinate audiences, thereby enhancing the educational impact and emotional connection with cultural content. Critical examination of digital media’s effect on audience interactions and the utilization of multimodal technologies to engage diverse audiences will further enrich the discourse in this field.

To gather further insights in the areas of XR applications and the Metaverse, complemented by AI enhancements, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Augmented Reality for Cultural Engagement
- Virtual Reality for Cultural Engagement
- Mixed Reality for Cultural Engagement
- XR and Gamification
- XR and Storytelling
- Metaverse in Museums and Cultural Heritage
- Virtual Museums and Metaverse
- Digital Technologies and Inclusion in Cultural Heritage
- AI Integration with XR in Cultural Heritage
- Interactive Multimedia Technologies in Museums
- XR Games for Museums and Cultural Heritage
- Virtual Humans and AI Avatars