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With the new Museum Innovation Network, Fraunhofer IAO wants to work together with museums and cultural institutions to develop strategies and propose solutions to promote pioneering innovations in the sector. Members of the network hailing from the worlds of culture, research and business hold interdisciplinary project meetings to discuss the relevant issues, before trying out new concepts and technologies in the field.

With the BW-Haus at the Expo site in Dubai, Baden-Württemberg is putting itself forward to an international audience as a place for innovation, industry, research, tourism and culture. Fraunhofer IAO has developed a digital twin of the building, giving people all over the world the opportunity for an interactive visit. This means that innovations from the German federal state can be experienced at any time, from anywhere.

In a survey of around 1000 participants, conducted for the Future Museum innovation network, Fraunhofer IAO has been investigating wishes and expectations regarding the use of digital technology in museums and science centers now and in the future. These results were presented at a hybrid meeting of the Future Museum network, held at the Swiss National Museum in Zurich. In one key finding, the survey reveals a hesitancy with regard to digital technology on the part of some respondents.

Art and cultural institutions in particular are facing major challenges during the Coronavirus pandemic. Museums remain closed for long periods or can receive only a few visitors. Digital and new formats are needed in order to maintain operations. What should museum visits be like in the future? As part of the collaborative Future Museum project, Fraunhofer IAO set up an online survey to ask members of the public about the future of museums.

The use of innovative technology and smart services can substantially enhance the museum experience, providing visitors with a new approach to art, history and knowledge. That’s the latest lesson from the Future Museum project, a joint initiative by the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO and the company MUSEUM BOOSTER GmbH. But what does a digital museum experience actually involve?

Fraunhofer IAO and MUSEUM BOOSTER will launch an innovation network for museums in July 2019. The goal of the Future Museum project is to assist museums in applying cutting-edge know-how and to create a network of museum leaders, public authorities, donors and suppliers for the exchange of ideas and for collaboration.

What will museums look like in 20 years? What challenges and trends await this industry? Fraunhofer IAO and MUSEUM BOOSTER GmbH have teamed up in a project called Future Museum to help museums prepare for the shape of things to come.