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Exploring History: How the Czech National Museum is Embracing Virtual and Augmented Reality

Visitors in a modern museum using VR headsets and AR tablets, surrounded by holographic historical figures and artifacts in a realistic setting.

The National Museum has transformed itself in recent years into a modern space where history is connected with the latest technologies. Visitors no longer just observe artifacts; they step inside history itself.

Virtual reality, augmented reality and digital guides are all part of this transformation.

Through the mobile app Museum in Your Pocket, you can:

  • See the legendary fin whale come to life in augmented reality.
  • Meet important figures of Czech history in the Pantheon exhibit, blending real-world surroundings with immersive digital elements.

Starting 1 July 2025, the museum unveils an extraordinary virtual journey through time as part of the Steps of Progress project on its 1st floor, enriching the long-term History exhibition.

The Czech National Museum is not just preserving history—it’s reimagining how we experience it by embracing VR, AR, and digital storytelling at every turn.

The Role of Technology in Museums Today

Museums are no longer just quiet halls with static displays. Technology has become a cornerstone in transforming how visitors engage with history and culture. VR storytelling and interactive digital guides are pushing the boundaries, turning passive observers into active participants.

Why does this matter?

  • VR storytelling invites visitors inside historical moments, making them feel part of the narrative instead of distant spectators.
  • Interactive digital guides personalize the journey, offering layered information based on visitor interests and pace.
  • Immersive storytelling with VR and AR creates multi-sensory experiences that trigger emotional connections and deeper understanding.

These tools do more than entertain—they revolutionize educational impact by blending facts with feelings. History isn’t just read; it’s lived. This shift breaks down barriers between past and present, giving museums a fresh way to compete in an era dominated by screen time and instant gratification.

Technology also democratizes access—people who can’t physically visit can experience exhibits virtually, while onsite guests benefit from richer context and engagement. Museums embracing VR storytelling and immersive guides aren’t just preserving artifacts; they’re cultivating curiosity, empathy, and critical thinking about humanity’s journey.

Virtual Reality Experiences at the National Museum

Step aboard a virtual railway carriage where VR goggles become your time machine. This immersive journey places visitors in a confined compartment shared with passengers from different eras—ranging from the late 19th century all the way to modern times, and even glimpses of the future. Conversations unfold around you, fictional yet thought-provoking dialogues involving real historical figures debating themes like electric light, work organization, and technological progress.

Highlights include meeting iconic personalities through captivating 360° video:

  • František Křižík and Antonín Dvořák in 1890
  • Entrepreneur Tomáš Baťa and actress Olga Scheinpflugová circa 1930
  • Scientist Jaroslav Heyrovský and actor Jan Werich in the 1960s

These encounters mix insight with humor and irony, making history feel alive rather than static. The journey culminates with two robots boarding the carriage, offering contrasting views on humanity’s relationship with technology—one human, one artificial.

This VR experience called Steps of Progress isn’t just eye candy; it’s an invitation to reflect on how progress unfolds unevenly, riddled with contradictions and complexities. The museum’s collaboration with VR specialists ensures that this blend of narrative depth and tech wizardry delivers a memorable encounter bridging past, present, and future.

Augmented Reality Applications at the National Museum

At the Czech National Museum, augmented reality (AR) plays a crucial role in bringing exhibits to life and providing visitors with immersive historical experiences. Through innovative AR applications, the museum has successfully integrated cutting-edge technology with rich historical narratives, offering a unique and engaging journey through time.

Key Features of AR Applications at the National Museum:

  • Fin Whale AR: Visitors can experience viewing a life-sized fin whale in augmented reality, allowing them to explore and interact with this majestic creature in a way that transcends traditional museum displays.
  • Pantheon Living Roots AR: The Pantheon exhibit offers a captivating experience where visitors can delve into the lives of important figures from Czech history through augmented reality, fostering a deeper connection to the past.
  • Interactive History Exhibits: AR technology breathes new life into historical exhibits, enabling interactive elements that enhance visitor engagement and provide a dynamic learning environment.

By leveraging AR technology, the National Museum transforms static displays into dynamic and interactive installations, offering visitors a multifaceted exploration of history. The seamless integration of AR enhances the educational value of exhibits while captivating audiences of all ages. As technology continues to evolve, the museum remains at the forefront of innovation, bridging the gap between the past and the present through immersive AR experiences.

Museum in Your Pocket Mobile App: A Virtual Journey Through Time

The ‘Museum in Your Pocket’ mobile app offers visitors a unique opportunity to delve into the rich tapestry of Czech history through a captivating virtual journey. Users can immerse themselves in key historical moments and witness the evolution of this vibrant culture firsthand.

By exploring this innovative platform, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the heritage and legacy that have shaped the Czech National Museum’s narrative. Step into the past and witness history come alive through this cutting-edge blend of technology and storytelling.

Sponsorship Support and Collaborations for Enhanced Visitor Experiences

The Czech National Museum’s leap into VR and AR wouldn’t be possible without strategic backing. Philip Morris ČR a.s. plays a pivotal role, underwriting educational projects and cultural institutions that push the envelope on how history is shared. Their sponsorship goes beyond a logo on a brochure; it’s about enabling cutting-edge experiences that blend technology with storytelling.

Working closely with seasoned VR experts, the museum crafts immersive journeys that stand up to high expectations from tech-savvy visitors. These collaborations ensure every virtual interaction feels polished and meaningful — no glitches, just smooth rides through time. The partnership between content creators, technologists, and sponsors forms a robust foundation where innovation meets authenticity.

Key Players in Enhancing Visitor Experiences

  • Philip Morris ČR a.s.: long-term supporter of culture and education
  • VR experts: collaboration guarantees engaging, seamless experiences
  • Combined effort brings historical narratives to life with precision and flair

The Future of Technology-Enhanced Historical Exhibitions

The National Museum has transformed itself in recent years into a modern space where history is connected with the latest technologies. Through the mobile app Museum in Your Pocket, you can see the fin whale in augmented reality, meet important figures of Czech history in the Pantheon thanks to technology that combines the real world with digital elements and, from 1 July 2025, newly experience a fascinating virtual journey through time as part of the Steps of Progress project on the 1st floor as an exceptional part of the long-term exhibition History.

What to Expect in the Future

Looking ahead, expect deeper integration of AI and machine learning to personalize visitor experiences. Imagine digital guides adapting narratives live based on your interests or questions, making history feel like a dynamic conversation rather than a static exhibit. Emerging tech could enable:

  • Real-time translation and voice interaction with historical characters
  • Predictive analytics tailoring content to visitor preferences
  • Enhanced sensory immersion beyond sight and sound

The National Museum’s tech evolution hints at exhibitions becoming living, evolving ecosystems—where learning history feels less like reading a textbook and more like stepping inside it.

Conclusion

Virtual reality, augmented reality, and digital guides – the National Museum has transformed itself in recent years into a modern space where history is connected with the latest technologies.

Through the mobile app “Museum in your pocket”, you can see the fin whale in augmented reality, meet important figures of Czech history in the Pantheon thanks to technology that combines the real world with digital elements and, from 1 July 2025, newly experience a fascinating virtual journey through time as part of the Steps of Progress project on the 1st floor as an exceptional part of the long-term exhibition History.

The Czech National Museum’s embrace of virtual reality, augmented reality, and digital guides is shaping a new era of experiencing history.

Visit the museum or download the ‘Museum in Your Pocket’ app to embark on your own virtual journey through time!

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