Digital Engagement Tools for Museums: How Apps, AR and Virtual Tours Enhance Visitor Interaction

It’s no secret to anyone that people are spending more time on their phones, even when they are in a live venue, like a cinema or even, in our case, a museum. In fact, the average person spends nearly 5 hours a day on their smartphone, according to recent reports ​(Exploding Topics)​ (Backlinko). 

For museums, zoos, aquariums, and other similar cultural institutions, this reality presents an opportunity to rethink how they engage with their visitors, both in person and remotely. With their constant improvements, digital engagement tools are no longer just add ons; they’re becoming essential for keeping visitors interested, informed and excited.

So, what exactly are digital engagement tools for museums and cultural institutions? And, how are some of the most innovative organizations within this sphere using them to elevate their visitor’s experience? Let’s break down a few examples and see how these tools are being put to use in exciting ways.

1. Interactive Mobile Apps at the Poe Baltimore Museum

Mobile apps have become an essential tool for museums to engage with their visitors before, during, and after their visit. One institution effectively utilizing digital engagement is the Poe Baltimore Museum, which worked with Cuseum to create an interactive mobile app that brings Edgar Allan Poe’s legacy to life.

Through the app, visitors can access detailed information about exhibits, explore interactive maps of the museum, and delve deeper into Poe's works and history. One of the standout features is the guided tours, which offer a personalized experience tailored to each visitor's interests. For example, users can choose different themed tours, such as exploring the mysteries of Poe’s life or focusing on his literary contributions.

Additionally, the app provides real-time updates about events and programs at the museum, ensuring visitors are always informed about the latest happenings. By leveraging Cuseum's digital tools, Poe Baltimore is able to create an engaging, educational environment that extends beyond the museum walls, fostering a deeper connection with Poe’s literary heritage.

👉 Learn more about the digital engagement tools at the Poe Baltimore Museum.

2. Augmented Reality Brings Klimt's "The Tree of Life" to reality

While still a somewhat distant term for the general public, Augmented Reality (AR) is rapidly revolutionizing the way museums engage with visitors by overlaying digital content onto the physical world. This technology offers immersive and educational experiences, allowing cultural institutions to present stories, artworks, or artifacts that may have been lost or damaged.

A prime example of AR's potential can be found at one of MAK’s (Austrian Museum of Applied Arts / Contemporary Art) most innovative projects. In partnership with Cuseum, the MAK created a unique AR experience featuring Gustav Klimt's iconic masterpiece, "The Tree of Life."

By using AR technology, the MAK brought Klimt's artwork to life at the Pioneers Festival for visitors to see in first person. Through the AR experience, people could interact with the painting in an immersive way, gaining a deeper appreciation for the artist's vision.

This innovative AR innovations not only enhance the visitor experience but also contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage. By digitally recreating the artwork, the MAK was able to share Klimt's masterpiece with a wider audience, even if the physical painting was unavailable.

👉 Explore how the MAK was able to bring Gustav Klimt’s artwork to life. 

3. Virtual Tours at The British Museum

One of the key digital engagement tools that exploded during the pandemic was the virtual tour. But its impact is evergreen. Even now, institutions like The British Museum are continuing to offer digital tours that allow visitors to explore the museum from the comfort of their own homes. These virtual tours have become invaluable for reaching global audiences who may never have the chance to visit in person.

By offering a 360-degree immersive experience, visitors can explore ancient artifacts, dive deep into historical facts, and engage with interactive exhibits right from their device. For those who can’t make the trip to London, this is an incredible way to stay engaged with the museum’s vast collection.

👉 Experience The British Museum’s virtual tours.

4. QR Codes for On the Spot Learning at The Smithsonian’s National Zoo

QR codes might seem simple (or confusing depending on who you ask), but they’re definitely a powerful digital engagement tool. It is so useful that institutions like The Smithsonian’s National Zoo are using it to provide visitors with instant access to educational content. Scattered throughout the zoo, these QR codes allow visitors to scan with their phones and instantly receive detailed information about the animals, their habitats, and conservation efforts.

Instead of cluttering exhibits with tons of text, the zoo is keeping things clean while offering a digital layer of information for visitors who want to learn more. It’s efficient, it’s interactive, and it keeps the focus on the animals.

👉 Learn more about the Smithsonian National Zoo’s use of digital tools.

5. Social Media Challenges at the Monterey Bay Aquarium

The Monterey Bay Aquarium has implemented a fun way to keep their visitors engaged in their journey across the aquarium with real-time social media interactions. By creating digital challenges, like asking visitors to post about their favorite marine animal or share a selfie with a specific exhibit, they’re extending the visitor experience beyond the walls of the aquarium.

These challenges encourage visitors to share their experiences with their social networks, promoting the aquarium organically. The aquarium even rewards participants with perks like discounts or shout outs, keeping them engaged even after they’ve left the building. In a world where social media drives a lot of what we do, this is an incredibly smart way to keep the conversation going. 

👉 Find out more about Monterey Bay Aquarium’s digital engagement efforts

Cultural Institutions can Build Lasting Connections Through Digital Engagement Tools

If there’s one thing these institutions are showing us, it’s that digital engagement tools are vital to keeping visitors connected. Whether it’s through mobile apps, AR experiences, or even something as simple as a QR code, these tools are offering museums, zoos, aquariums and other attractions a chance to deepen the visitor experience in ways that are both fun, practical and educational.

At the end of the day, digital engagement is a set of tools built at creating lasting connections with the public. Visitors today want to interact with content on their own terms, and digital tools help make that possible. Institutions that embrace this shift are finding more ways to stay relevant and connected, even after visitors have gone home.

Are you ready to explore how digital engagement tools can transform your institution? Request a demo from Cuseum to discover the right digital tools for your cultural institution and learn how you can connect with your visitors like never before.

Further Reading:

1. Arts, Organizations and Technologies - Pew Research Center 

2. How Are Museums Putting the AR into Arts and Culture - MuseumNext