The metaverse is not just an object of interest for Silicon Valley tech visionionaries. Indeed, in the world of entertainment, arts and culture, and museums, the metaverse hype has, too, entered the chat. From the launch of “Sotheby’s Metaverse,” to the emergence of metaverse-native art galleries and the novel collaboration between Fortnite and the Serpentine, it appears that the metaverse may have growing relevance for artists, culture enthusiasts, and museums alike.

What is even is the metaverse? What potential does it hold for mainstream entertainment? How is the metaverse colliding with the art industry? And, what might the metaverse mean for traditional museums

Read as we examine the possibilities that this nascent technology may hold:

While there is still uncertainty, how are cultural organizations approaching NFTs, and what might they mean for the future?

At this point, many institutions are offering programming and engagement opportunities to help educate audiences on this new phenomenon. Other organizations, still suffering from two years of pandemic slump, have used NFTs as a way to generate buzz and revenue through the sale of digital assets. Lastly, several museums have begun acquiring NFTs for display within their collections.

With this in mind, let’s dive into some examples of how museums are starting to navigate the world of NFTs in order to educate the public, create new revenue streams, and engage their audiences.

Will Museums & Cultural Institutions Find a Place in the Metaverse?

How 21 Museums & Cultural Organizations engaged with NFTs in 2021