The application of technology to exhibition activities not only helps improve the efficiency of transmitting historical and cultural values to the public, but also opens up new perspectives for the development of the cultural sector.
The Hanoi Museum uses technology to facilitate visitors’ information search.
Reviving heritage through technology.
In early February 2026, the Hanoi Museum reopened, inaugurating a permanent thematic exhibition space after years of research and preparation. Designed with an open concept, this space focuses on the combination of objects, images, documents, and multimedia projection equipment. Interactive screens allow visitors to search for information and explore the history, culture, and life of Thang Long (Hanoi) through different periods. The museum notably offers a digital experience space with innovative 3D films. According to Nguyen Tien Da, director of the Hanoi Museum, the alliance of original objects and modern technologies aims to increase interaction, attract more visitors, and contribute to the development of the cultural sector in the capital.
The integration of digital technologies has become a priority for many museums in Hanoi. The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, for example, is undergoing a digital transformation of its management and activities, including exhibitions, educational programs, and guided tours. Many exhibition spaces have adopted virtual reality (VR), a system that simulates 3D models, to preserve and enhance heritage. The museum also uses these technologies to accompany visitors: through applications and QR codes, they can discover the history of the exhibited objects.
Meanwhile, the National Museum of History encourages the digitization of artifacts and the integration of digital technologies into its exhibitions. According to deputy director Nguyen Thi Thu Hoan, many exhibition spaces are now equipped with multilingual audio guides, facilitating access to information for visitors. Some digital programs even allow exploring artifacts in 3D, providing a better understanding of their structure and value.
At the Vietnam Museum of Fine Arts, digital transformation has been ongoing since 2017. According to Nguyen Anh Minh, director of the Vietnam Museum of Fine Arts, applications such as cinemagraphs and 3D mapping in thematic exhibitions like “Spring of the Nation” (2023), “My Country” (2023), and “Spring of Hanoi” (2024) have contributed to attracting a large number of visitors, with an increase of over 300% compared to five years ago.
Towards an intelligent museum
Integrating technologies into exhibitions allows museums to rethink their approach to the public, moving from a “static exhibition model” to an “interactive experience.” According to Dr. Pham Quoc Quan, former director of the National Museum of History, digitizing objects and creating digital databases help museums extend their reach beyond physical exhibitions. Through online platforms, visitors from around the world can visit virtual museums, explore collections, and discover the history and culture of a country. Besides improving visitor experience, the use of technologies in museums also plays a crucial role in the development of the cultural sector.
Moreover, art researcher and doctor Tran Hau Yen The believes that exhibitions using technology often require the involvement of various fields such as graphic design, programming, digital content production, projection techniques, visual arts, etc. This creates opportunities for collaboration between museums, technology companies, and creative design agencies.
Although technology brings many benefits and is an inevitable trend, its application in museum exhibitions also poses many challenges to institutions, such as financial resources, competent technology staff, and the ability to manage and operate the technological system.
To ensure effective use of technologies in museums, Dr. Pham Quoc Quan suggests that they should serve as a tool to enhance the exhibited objects, not replace traditional elements. Museums must harmonize historical content, exhibition art, and modern technologies to create spaces that are scientifically rich and offer an immersive experience. Artist Nguyen The Son suggests that museums develop precise plans regarding their finances and exhibition content, then invite technology experts to collaborate on designing more dynamic, creative, and efficient exhibitions while avoiding waste.
As part of a cultural sector development strategy, museums can become centers of creation where heritage is revitalized through technology and innovative ideas. Integrating technology into museum exhibitions is essential to unleash the potential of heritage, contribute to the development of the cultural sector, and disseminate historical and cultural values to the public in the digital age.
Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/ung-dung-cong-nghe-trong-trung-bay-o-bao-tang-chia-khoa-thuc-day-phat-trien-cong-nghiep-van-hoa-738192.html
