This article is the first in a three-part series exploring the state of mobile apps in the cultural sector. In Part Two, we’ll look at real-world case studies from museums using apps effectively. And in Part Three, we’ll dig into the trends shaping the future of mobile engagement for institutions of all sizes.
Museums and cultural institutions are continuously evolving, and part of that evolution has to do with using new technical innovations as means of attraction. From the 19th century's magic lantern shows and paleontology spectacles, to today’s immersive digital installations, cultural spaces have continuously discovered new ways to share culture and connect with their communities as the world around them changes. Mobile apps are no exception, as they’ve emerged as an increasingly powerful tool to support the educational mission and goals of deeper engagement .
In recent years, museum apps have expanded in scope and sophistication. When thoughtfully developed and promoted, they can become trusted companions to the visitor experience: guiding, enriching, informing, and sometimes even surprising along the way. Yet, as with any evolving technology, not all museum apps are created equal. Some excel, while have yet to unlock their full potential.
This article explores what makes museum apps thrive and to offer a helpful lens through which institutions can strengthen their digital tools and better serve their audiences.
A New Kind of App for a Very Historic Kind of Institution
Museums are many things to many people – places of preservation, temples of public knowledge, and showcases of innovation in various forms. But while they safeguard heritage, they have also always experimented with ways to engage modern audiences. That’s where mobile apps fit in right now. They help visitors navigate collections, explore content more deeply, and access resources in a flexible and convenient fashion.
When apps are done well, they don’t just work, they enhance and allow for scalability. They allow a visitor to connect with an object’s story, plan their time efficiently, or uncover something they would have otherwise missed. The goal is, as will be repeated throughout this guide is to extend the experience in a way that feels intuitive and enriching.
What’s Working: Momentum in the Right Direction
Adoption of mobile apps has great potential to grow in the cultural space, especially as digital literacy becomes the norm and expectations for mobile convenience continue to rise. Mobile apps are central to digital media consumption: In the U.S., 70% of all digital media time is spent on mobile apps, underscoring their integral role in daily life.
Whether available on the app store or accessible through mobile browsers, museums are using apps as dynamic tools that reflect the brand, dedication to elevating their visitor experience, and goals of their institution. Compared to the past, with solutions like Cuseum, museums no longer need to build anything from scratch, stumble through long development timelines, or work with expensive agencies who charge by the hour — the turn-key era is here.
Some institutions use apps to provide thematic tours, virtual reconstructions, or interactive storytelling. Others lean into practical general orientation guides, wayfinding assistance, or multilingual guides. In many cases, museums are combining these features, creating holistic tools that support both staff and visitor needs.
There’s no universal formula—and that’s a good thing. What works in one museum might not be relevant in another. The strength of mobile apps lies in their flexibility: they can be adapted to reflect an institution’s voice, collections, and audiences.
Educational, Logistical, & Interactive: The 3 Buckets
While every museum is different, most apps fall into three broad categories:
Educational tools: These use audio guides or multimedia to give more context to the exhibits. Visitors go beyond the label and into the story.
Logistical solutions: These help with navigation, reservations, or scheduling. They reduce friction and help visitors focus on the experience, not the logistics.
Interactive platforms: These include features like games, scavenger hunts, chatbots or social elements that invite people to participate, not just observe.
Some apps manage to combine all three. The key is knowing which role your app should play and designing for that purpose, not trying to be everything at once.
These three buckets also speak to the diversity of museum goals. A local history museum may benefit more from logistical tools that facilitate access. A large urban museum with diverse audiences might prioritize accessibility and multilingual content. A science museum targeting young families could go all in on gamification. The point isn’t to copy exactly what others are doing – it’s to produce an app that supports your mission.
How to Reach your App’s Fullest Potential
Some museums face challenges not because apps “don’t work,” but because:
They aren’t widely promoted or explained to visitors
The user experience isn’t intuitive or mobile-friendly
There’s no clear goal or purpose driving the app’s design
They don’t offer multiple languages to their increasing diverse audience
The app isn’t available across platforms (e.g. Apple, Android, and mobile browser)
Overcoming these hurdles should be seen as signs of opportunity. Improving discoverability, streamlining interfaces, and integrating with existing systems are all attainable steps that can make a big difference in how visitors engage.
And while not every museum has the same resources, even small adjustments, like adding multilingual support or putting up a few posters and signs to promote your app, can go a long way in creating a more effective, useful, inclusive digital experience.
In Summary: The Tools Are There, Let’s Continue to Hone Them!
When it comes to visitor engagement, we can all agree that there is no silver bullet. No single tool or strategy will magically fix every issue with visitor engagement or double your visitor satisfaction overnight. But an array of thoughtful implemented tools can make a good experience better. They can reduce friction, expand access, and open up new forms of interpretation. Most of all, they can help museums meet their audiences where they already are: on their phones.
And that means rethinking how apps are introduced, what they’re meant to do, and, especially, how your success is measured. Visitor centered design, clean functionality, easeness to use, and purposeful communication go much further than flashy features.
The challenge isn’t building the next big thing or getting distracted or overwhelmed by every shiny new object: it’s building something that is practical, affordable to launch, and works—and making sure people know it exists.