Virtual Museums: A Closer Look at This Exit Strategy

"No digital system has yet solved the problem of physical presence. Even people who enjoy virtual tours often acknowledge that a screen changes the encounter with an object. Texture, weight, and scale, among other attributes, are perceived differently when mediated through a flat image, regardless of resolution. Standing in front of a large painting in a quiet room, or handling a small piece of porcelain under a light, elicits emotional and sensory responses that a virtual surrogate can only hint at."

"Technical and economic barriers also complicate claims of universal access. A project that relies on virtual reality headsets, high-speed internet, or newer devices may unintentionally exclude users with older hardware or limited connectivity. There is an additional layer of accessibility concerns when immersive experiences cause motion sickness or eye strain. For some audiences, a simple, well-designed web gallery may be far more usable than an elaborate interactive environment."

"Also, digital preservation raises questions distinct from those encountered in physical collections. Websites become outdated, software platforms are retired, and file formats fall out of use. A museum building requires maintenance, but a virtual museum requires an ongoing commitment to migration and updating. Without that attention, an impressively documented collection can become inaccessible within a few years, even though the underlying digital files still exist on a server."

Virtual museums increase access but cannot reproduce the physical presence and sensory impact of real objects. Screens alter perception of texture, weight, and scale, and virtual surrogates only hint at the emotional responses elicited by direct encounters. Reliance on VR headsets, high-speed internet, or new devices can exclude users with older hardware or limited connectivity. Immersive experiences can also cause motion sickness and eye strain, making simpler web galleries preferable for some audiences. Digital preservation demands active migration and updating to avoid obsolescence. Physical institutions carry authority through responsible custody, examination, and provenance documentation.

Read at Psychology Today