Immersive technologies are no longer a futuristic promise, they’re already reshaping how we experience and interact with cultural heritage. Virtual museums and digital twins have paved the way, offering new levels of access to collections and sites. Yet, these formats are just the beginning. With the rapid evolution of eXtended Reality (XR), heritage institutions have the chance to go further: creating experiences that are interactive, multisensory, and participatory, breaking free from the physical constraints of traditional exhibitions.
Imagine exploring a story that unfolds across unexpected places, where gravity no longer applies, or engaging with a collection in ways that blend sight, sound, and touch. Immersive environments open doors to forms of storytelling that move beyond passive observation inviting audiences to become active participants in the cultural narrative.
But there’s a challenge. Not every institution has the resources or expertise to experiment with XR. Accessibility and scalability remain major barriers, raising questions about how smaller organisations can meaningfully integrate immersive formats into their long-term strategies. Without solutions, XR risks becoming a privilege for a few rather than a shared opportunity for the sector as a whole.
To address this, the Horizon Europe project TRANSMIXR has developed a new resource: the Workbook Beyond Virtual Museums: Exploring Immersive Experience Opportunities in the Cultural Heritage Sector. This practical guide invites professionals to push the boundaries of what’s possible with XR testing bold ideas, developing new concepts, and laying the groundwork for collaboration and prototyping.
By connecting researchers, practitioners, and industry experts, TRANSMIXR is helping to create a space where innovation in XR can truly serve cultural heritage. The workbook is not just about experimenting with technology; it’s about imagining meaningful ways to bring collections, stories, and communities together in immersive formats that resonate with today’s audiences.
You can explore the workbook and start experimenting with immersive storytelling here:
As immersive technologies continue to mature, the heritage sector has a unique opportunity: to move beyond virtual museums and into a future where digital storytelling is participatory, multisensory, and deeply engaging.