20 Ways Museums Will Transform in 2025

In 2025, museums are transforming into immersive, interactive hubs that combine cutting-edge technology, sustainability, and global collaboration to create more inclusive, engaging, and accessible cultural experiences.

Alyana Aguja
January 23, 2025
5 min read

20 Ways Museums Will Transform in 2025 — Dannie Jing from Unsplash

In 2025, museums will redefine the visitor experience by embracing innovative technologies such as augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and digital archiving to bring collections to life. Sustainability and inclusivity are at the forefront of these transformations, with eco-friendly designs and accessible spaces designed to engage a diverse audience. With global collaborations, hybrid events, and immersive storytelling, museums are becoming dynamic, interactive spaces that foster deeper cultural understanding and inspire lifelong learning.

1. Enhanced Digital Engagement

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Museums have incorporated advanced digital platforms, offering virtual tours and interactive exhibits to remote audiences worldwide. The British Museum, for example, has enabled online access to its outstanding collection.

2. Augmented Reality Experiences

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Museums have added AR in 2025, where they make the artifacts interact with the visitor through augmented reality. Louvre, Paris, for instance, introduced the features of AR in the Louvre museum, which has helped historical artwork to be seen alive.

3. Sustainable Architecture

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New museum constructions focus on sustainability, using eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient designs. The FENIX Museum of Migration in Rotterdam, which will open in 2025, is designed with sustainability at its core, featuring renewable energy sources and green building practices.

4. AI-Powered Personalization

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Museums are embracing artificial intelligence to tailor the experience of their visitors. Content is provided to each visitor and tailored recommendations. An example is the Museum of the Future in Dubai, which used AI to make interactive exhibits adapt to a visitor’s interest.

5. Interactive Learning Spaces

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Education spaces have become practical learning playgrounds, engaging learners in practical activities. The National Science and Media Museum in Bradford, UK, was improved with a £6 million refurbishment on its Wonderlab, offering an interactive learning space.

6. Cultural Celebrations

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Museums are organizing cultural milestone celebrations, attracting a wide audience. Amsterdam is celebrating its 750th anniversary in 2025 with many museum exhibitions and festivals showcasing its cultural richness.

7. Inclusive Design

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Accessibility is paramount, with museums incorporating designs catering to all visitors, including those with disabilities. The Museum of the Future in Dubai is designed to be fully accessible, ensuring an inclusive experience.

8. Community-Centric Programs

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Museums are creating programs that engage the local community, building a sense of ownership and participation. The FENIX Museum of Migration in Rotterdam is trying to reach out to diverse communities by exhibiting global migration stories.

9. Mobile Integration

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Mobile applications are enhancing visitor experience through on-the-go information and interactive features. British Museum’s mobile application provides extensive information and virtual tours, enriching the visitor experience.

10. Hybrid Events

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Museums now host hybrid events combining in-person and virtual participation, making them more accessible. The Museum of the Future in Dubai offers virtual tours and online events, allowing global audiences to engage with their exhibits.

11. The Art and Technology Intersection

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Museums exhibit the meeting between art and technology, showcasing digital and AI-generated works. Dataland will be Los Angeles’s first-ever museum on AI-generated art; it will open towards the end of 2025, displaying machine creativity.

12. Culinary Experiences

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Some of the museums have started including culinary art, which provides themed food experiences. A restaurant in Museum of the Future, Dubai, includes a futuristic interior and innovative cooking for a complete cultural experience.

13. Access at Night

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To attend to the multiple needs of customers, museums allow evening access; the Museum of the Future, Dubai, provides extended access so people can see artifacts when the sun has set below the horizon as it sets under the city’s sky.

14. Pop-Up Exhibitions

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Temporary exhibitions are increasingly common, bringing new and exciting content. The International Maritime Museum in Hamburg has regular special exhibitions, such as “Superyachts and Marine Research,” which appeal to many visitors.

15. Wellness Integration

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Museums now include wellness elements, such as meditation spaces and art therapy sessions, to promote mental health. The Museum of the Future in Dubai offers wellness programs that combine art and mindfulness to enhance visitor well-being.

16. International Coordinations

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Museums are now coming together internationally. They share each other’s collections, understanding, and wisdom. The U.S. holds the Smithsonian Institution, which involves museums from every corner of the world for a cultural exchange with shared exhibitions.

17. Digital Archiving

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Museums are digitizing their collections and preserving artifacts. The British Museum has digitized many of its collections, which are now accessible online worldwide.

18. Interactive Storytelling

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Exhibits are evolving to tell stories through interactive mediums, enhancing engagement. The Museum of the Future in Dubai employs immersive storytelling techniques, allowing visitors to experience future scenarios firsthand.

19. Environmental Education

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Museums focus on environmental issues and educate visitors on sustainability and conservation. The Natural History Museum in London is undergoing a £550 million transformation to restore its galleries and promote environmental education.

20. Cultural Preservation

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Museums preserve and display cultures of the world, which create understanding and appreciation. The FENIX Museum of Migration in Rotterdam seeks to give a voice to the migrant’s story for better cultural understanding and empathy.