Augmented reality (AR) overlays digital information onto the real world through smartphones, tablets, or specialized devices.
Major museums such as the Smithsonian Institution, the British Museum, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art are leading this digital revolution, with countless institutions following their example.
The reason? AR transforms static exhibits into dynamic, interactive experiences that improves visitor experience in ways traditional displays simply can't match.
This shift matters because modern museum-goers expect more than passive observation. They want immersive, educational experiences that feel personal and accessible.
AR delivers exactly that while solving longstanding challenges like language barriers, accessibility issues, and declining visitor engagement.
What Is Augmented Reality?
Augmented reality adds digital content such as images, text, or audio on top of the real world using a device’s camera and screen. It lets users see and interact with virtual elements as if they’re part of their surroundings.
AR works by using sensors, cameras, and software to recognize real-world objects and surfaces, then displays digital content that appears linked to those locations.
In museums, visitors can point their phones at artifacts to instantly access extra information, animations, or interactive features without leaving the exhibit.
What is the Difference between Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality?
Augmented Reality (AR) overlays digital information onto the real world, allowing users to interact with both physical and virtual elements at the same time.
In contrast, Virtual Reality (VR) creates fully immersive, computer-generated environments that replace the user's actual surroundings entirely.
To put it simply, AR enhances the real world with digital elements, whereas VR transports users to an entirely new one.
How Can Museums Benefit from AR Technology?
Museums implementing AR technology report remarkable improvements across multiple metrics. These benefits extend far beyond simple novelty, creating genuine value for institutions and visitors alike.
Immersive Storytelling
Traditional museum exhibits often struggle with the "so what?" problem. Visitors see an artifact but don't understand its significance or story.
AR transforms objects into storytellers, using animation, audio, and interactive elements to bring history to life.
Consider how AR can bring a Civil War uniform to life. Visitors might see animated soldiers march across it and hear battlefield sounds. This creates a powerful, emotional experience that static displays can’t match.
These immersive experiences significantly increase dwell time—the amount of time visitors spend with each exhibit.
When people spend more time engaging with content, they form stronger memories and develop deeper appreciation for the subject matter.
Accessibility
Traditional exhibits often exclude visitors with visual impairments, hearing difficulties, or different learning styles. AR addresses these issues through customizable experiences that adapt to individual needs.
AR-guided tours can provide audio descriptions for visually impaired visitors or visual amplification for those with partial sight.
The technology also offers multilingual support, which makes it easy to welcome international visitors without needing costly signage or hiring multilingual tour guides.
Cost-Effectiveness
One of AR's most compelling advantages is its cost-effectiveness compared to traditional exhibit development.
Creating new physical displays often requires a significant investment in materials, fabrication, and installation.
In contrast, AR allows museums to use visitors’ smartphones and tablets. This greatly reduces infrastructure costs.
This smartphone-based approach also removes the hassle of managing onsite devices. Since visitors use their own familiar phones, there’s less need for training or tech support. It’s a scalable solution that easily adapts to changes in visitor numbers.
Viral Marketing
AR experiences are naturally engaging and highly shareable, making them powerful tools for effective museum marketing.
When visitors post photos or videos of their AR interactions, they act as authentic ambassadors for your institution
Social sharing also creates valuable content that spreads your museum’s reach beyond its walls. Each post highlights your innovation and helps attract new visitors who might not have found you otherwise.
Customizable Content
AR technology helps museums design content that fits different exhibits or visitor types. It allows for personalized experiences without the high cost of setting up multiple physical setups.
The technology also enables seasonal or themed content updates without physical renovations. A history museum could highlight different aspects of an artifact during Black History Month, Women's History Month, or cultural heritage celebrations.
These dynamic updates keep exhibits fresh and relevant while encouraging repeat visits.
Inspiring Museum Augment Reality Case Studies
Below are two standout examples of how institutions are using AR to engage audiences in memorable ways. Both experiences are powered by STQRY Apps.
SA National Parks Tours
SA National Parks Tours is a self-guided mobile experience that allows visitors to explore South Australia's parks and heritage sites in an interactive way.
One AR feature in the app lets users view a 3D model of Glenthorne House, which once stood proudly on the property. During its heyday, it hosted lively events like picnics, jubilees, and even tug-of-war matches and greasy pig contests.
Although the house was lost to fire in 1932, the AR experience brings its story and structure vividly back to life.
The Liberty Trail SC
The Liberty Trail SC is a self-guided tour that links Revolutionary War battlefields and historic sites across South Carolina.
Made in partnership with the American Battlefield Trust and the South Carolina Battleground Trust, the app brings these places to life with powerful stories from America’s fight for independence.
One AR highlight of the Liberty Trail tour is a 3D model of a 250-year-old Spanish Dollar—also known as a “Piece of 8”—excavated near Fort Fair Lawn.
Using the app, visitors can view the coin through augmented reality and learn about its role in the colonial economy.
How to Start Your AR Journey for Your Museum
Successfully implementing AR requires careful planning, appropriate technology selection, and phased rollout strategies.
Museums can avoid common pitfalls by following proven implementation approaches.
Select Choose your AR tech
Technology selection depends on your museum's goals, budget, and visitor demographics. Two primary approaches dominate current implementations: mobile applications and projection overlays.
Mobile apps are flexible and cost-effective. Visitors use their own phones or tablets to access AR content, so there's no need to buy or maintain extra devices. Apps can also trigger content based on location or recognize objects.
Projection overlays create striking visual effects but need a lot of setup and equipment. They project digital content onto real objects or surfaces, blending virtual and physical elements.
Work with AR Experts
Most museums get better results by working with experienced AR developers instead of building everything in-house. The right collaboration model can save time, reduce costs, and improve the visitor experience.
At STQRY, we make it easy to integrate AR into your self-guided tours. Our complete solution includes content management, analytics, technical setup, and ongoing support.
With STQRY, you can launch immersive, professional AR experiences quickly and with confidence.
Implement Phased Rollout
Begin with a focused pilot—one exhibit or gallery that showcases your museum’s strengths. Choose content that works well in AR, such as objects with compelling stories, layered processes, or historical depth.
Run the pilot for 3 to 6 months to collect visitor feedback and fine-tune the experience. Pay close attention to usability, content clarity, and technical performance. Document what resonates and what causes confusion.
Use these insights to guide your next steps. Expand gradually, resolving issues as you go. Each new phase should build on what worked while introducing new features or content to keep the experience fresh and engaging.
Measure Success
To really understand how AR is performing in your museum, track both hard data and visitor feedback. Start by setting a baseline before launch so you can measure real progress over time.
Some of the key metrics you can monitor include:
- Dwell time – See how long visitors engage with AR exhibits compared to traditional ones. Increases of 50–200% are common.
- Repeat visits and membership conversions – Track whether AR visitors return more often or are more likely to become members.
- App downloads and social shares – Measure how often visitors engage with your content beyond the museum and which experiences get shared the most.
- Visitor surveys – Ask what they learned, how they felt, and what worked or didn’t. This feedback is essential for improving future updates.
By combining these insights, you'll gain a clear, well-rounded view of AR’s overall impact.
FAQs
Is augmented reality still a thing?
Yes, augmented reality (AR) is very much still a thing and it’s not just a trend anymore. It's evolved into a practical, scalable tool across industries.
What is the difference between AI and augmented reality?
AI (Artificial Intelligence) enables machines to mimic human intelligence, while AR overlays digital content onto the real world. AR focuses on enhancing visual experiences, while AI powers decision-making, recognition, and personalization. They often work together but are separate technologies.
Does AR need AI?
No, AR does not need AI to function. Basic AR can run using QR codes or location triggers. However, AI enhances AR by enabling real-time object recognition, voice control, and personalized experiences.
Elevate Your Museum with Seamless AR Experiences
STQRY makes it simple to add augmented reality to your exhibits. From mobile audio tours to immersive AR overlays, we help you deliver interactive content that captivates and informs.
Our reliable customer support team is here to guide you through setup, updates, and growth so you’re never on your own.
Get started with STQRY today and reimagine the way your audience connects with culture.