VIRTUAL Barcelona

Abstract

In the digital age, the concept of the Metaverse has significantly reshaped public understanding of the Internet and expanded the boundaries of traditional museums. Museums have undergone a profound transformation, evolving from conventional institutions primarily dedicated to collecting and interpreting artifacts into dynamic cultural co-creation platforms that engage diverse audiences (Cairns, 2013). Digital exhibitions have become central components of museum activities (Kim, 2018). Consequently, collections have transitioned from being imbued with a traditional ‘aura’ (Benjamin, 1999) to serving as conduits for cultural participation (Nina, 2010) and cultural communication (Cameron, 1971). However, the digital method of engaging with digital artifacts often disconnects people from reality, leading to feelings of nihilism. Despite the transformative potential of Virtual Reality (VR) technology, which introduces immersive and interactive dimensions to the museum experience (Kim, 2022; Carrozzino, 2010), addressing nihilistic perspectives in virtual museums through effective narrative techniques remains a significant challenge. This study posits that authenticity is influenced by the audience’s identification with objects. Subsequently, this paper will analyze constructivism and embodied cognition. It will then delve into specific case studies to elucidate the practical implementation of this theoretical framework.