Our team returned from the Ecsite 2026 in Gothenburg with a renewed appreciation for the role digital collections play in museums and science centres around the world.
While digitization has long been associated with preservation, access, and research, many of the examples showcased throughout the conference demonstrated something more: digitized collections are increasingly becoming the foundation for how visitors experience museums.
One takeaway was the extent to which digital technology now underpins modern exhibitions. From interactive displays and immersive environments to data-driven storytelling, digital interfaces are now a core component of how institutions engage their audiences. In many cases, visitors are no longer simply viewing collections – they are actively interacting with them. The conference itself reflected this emphasis on participation. Rather than relying solely on traditional presentations, sessions were designed around active engagement.
Another key takeaway was seeing what museums can achieve with the digital data created through collection digitization. Strong partnerships between museums, digitization specialists, and exhibition designers are enabling institutions to transform collection data into engaging experiences for researchers, policymakers, educators, and general public.
Perhaps the most memorable example came from an installation designed for visitors with visual impairments. The exhibit featured a 3D-printed beetle based on a digitized specimen. As visitors touched different parts of the model, audio descriptions provided information about the specimen and its characteristics. It was a powerful reminder that digitization can do more than make collections available online; it can help make museums more accessible, inclusive, and engaging for all audiences.
It was inspiring to see the many ways institutions are transforming collection data into meaningful experiences. As digitization continues to evolve, its impact will be measured not only by the number of objects made accessible, but also by the new opportunities it creates for discovery, learning, and participation.
How Digitization is Shaping the Future of Museum Experiences
