The application of technology to exhibition activities not only enhances 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 information retrieval by visitors. Photo: Hoang Lan
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 delve deeper into the history, culture, and life of Thang Long (Hanoi) through different periods. The museum offers a digital experience space with innovative 3D films. According to Nguyen Tien Da, director of the Hanoi Museum, the combination of original objects and modern technologies aims to increase interaction, attract more visitors, and contribute to the development of the capital’s cultural sector.
The integration of digital technologies has become a priority for many museums in Hanoi. For example, the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology 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 the deputy director, Nguyen Thi Thu Hoan, many exhibition spaces are now equipped with multilingual audio guides, making information more accessible to visitors. Some digital programs even allow exploring artifacts in 3D, enabling 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 a smart museum
Visitors discover the iMuseum VFA multimedia audio guide application at the Vietnam Museum of Fine Arts. Photo: Vietnam Museum of Fine Arts.
The integration of technologies in 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, the digitization of objects and the creation of digital databases help museums expand 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.
Furthermore, art researcher and Ph.D. Tran Hau Yen The believes that exhibitions using technology often require the involvement of multiple fields such as graphic design, programming, digital content production, projection techniques, visual arts, etc. This creates opportunities for cooperation 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 for institutions, such as financial resources, technology-savvy staff, and the ability to manage and operate the technological system.
To ensure effective use of technologies in museums, Dr. Pham Quoc Quan believes they must serve as a tool to enhance exhibited objects, not replace traditional elements. Museums must harmonize historical content, exhibition art, and modern technologies to create spaces that are both 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 effective 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. The integration of technology in museum exhibitions is essential to unlock the potential of heritage, contribute to the development of the cultural sector, and disseminate historical and cultural values to the public in the digital era.
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
