Museum brings unseen heritage to life

A groundbreaking initiative in Türkiye is transforming the landscape of museology by integrating cultural heritage with cutting-edge digital technologies. This innovative approach is not only redefining how history is experienced but also expanding the accessibility of cultural assets beyond the constraints of traditional physical spaces.

The Umay Museum's Vision

Established in May 2015, the Umay Museum operates within the Anadolu Technology Research Park (ATAP) located at Eskişehir’s Yunus Emre Campus. The museum functions as both a research and development entity and a creative production hub, focusing on the emerging field of digital museology. This initiative is dedicated to producing original content and designing contemporary museum experiences that resonate with modern audiences.

The museum team has been at the forefront of virtual reality (VR) projects aimed at digitally reconstructing significant historical sites. Their inaugural VR project was developed for the Muradiye Madrasa in Bursa, a site of historical importance. Following this, they expanded their scope to create immersive digital experiences for the ancient cities of Amorium and Kyzikos, showcasing their commitment to bringing history to life through technology.

In their latest endeavors, the Umay Museum has successfully brought Eskişehir’s Karacahisar Castle into the digital realm. Using advanced VR technologies, users can now explore this historic site through realistic, three-dimensional simulations. The overarching goal of these projects is to enhance the accessibility of cultural heritage while ensuring that historical authenticity is preserved.

Contributions to Physical Museums

Beyond their virtual applications, the Umay Museum has also significantly contributed to the development of physical museums across Türkiye. The team has been involved in various museum projects, including those dedicated to the Sarıkamış Operation and large-scale panorama museums. Their contributions span the entire process, from conceptual design to implementation, encompassing aspects such as interior spatial design, exhibition planning, and the integration of digital experience areas.

Over the past decade, the initiative has executed seven major projects within ATAP, each yielding over 100 tangible outputs. This multidisciplinary approach covers a broad spectrum of museological practices, including architectural design, content production, and the incorporation of artificial intelligence into exhibitions. Such a comprehensive strategy not only enhances the visitor experience but also sets a new standard for museum practices in Türkiye.

Education and Emerging Technologies

A notable aspect of the Umay Museum's mission is its commitment to education and talent development. The museum actively involves students in ongoing projects, providing them with hands-on experience in digital production and museum design. Many of these students transition into core team members and, after gaining valuable experience, contribute to both national and international projects. To date, the initiative has successfully trained over 30 qualified professionals in diverse fields such as art, animation, and museum content production.

As the museum expands its scope, it is also delving into emerging digital fields that are reshaping storytelling within museums. Recent projects include blockchain-based initiatives, NFT works, and digital gaming experiences. One notable example is “Clash Up,” a blockchain-based game that exemplifies the museum’s efforts to create new forms of cultural expression and interaction.

According to contributors involved in these projects, digitalization is significantly increasing the visibility and engagement capacity of museums. Rather than acting as a replacement for physical institutions, virtual museums serve as complementary platforms that enrich visitor experiences and broaden access to cultural assets.

With the ongoing advancements in VR and augmented reality (AR) technologies, the field of digital museology is poised to gain even more prominence in the coming years. However, experts highlight that a critical need exists for training young professionals who can produce high-quality digital content, ensuring that the future of museums remains vibrant and engaging.

In summary, the Umay Museum is at the forefront of a transformative movement in museology, blending cultural heritage with digital innovation. By redefining how history is experienced and expanding access to cultural assets, this initiative is setting a new benchmark for museums not only in Türkiye but globally.