Museums in the Digital Age: Balancing Physical and Virtual Presence for Sustainable Cultural Engagement

Online talk between Assistant Professor Elena Querci and Full Professor of Management Patrizia Gazzola from Department of Economics, University of Insubria in Varese, Italy.

Their presentation and will be conducted in English. The talk is organised by the research network CultureSustain

Time: January 7, 2025 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Danish time
Please, join Zoom Meeting here:
https://aarhusuniversity.zoom.us/j/62783803813
Meeting ID: 627 8380 3813

“Museums are undergoing a paradigm shift, moving from object-centric to people-centric approaches. This transformation prioritizes visitor engagement, accessibility, and cognitive development, particularly focusing on younger generations born after 2000. To bridge the gap between traditional museum practices and the digital natives' mindset, museums are increasingly adopting new technologies as a common language. The integration of environmental and sustainability factors into cultural assessment has led to a holistic approach in museum management. Museums are now recognized as vital societal institutions that preserve heritage, promote education, and foster dialogue while respecting cultural diversity. They also serve as catalysts for tourism and sustainable economic development. 

In alignment with the 2030 Agenda, museums are actively contributing to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They are particularly focused on SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). However, their potential impact extends to over fifty targets across various SDGs. 
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the need for museums to balance physical and digital presence. This study explores various modalities and choices for economic and social sustainability in this new context. It examines how museums can effectively navigate the physical-digital divide while maintaining their core mission and contributing to global sustainability goals.”