The Use of Virtual Reality in Museum Practice as a Tool for Promoting Ukraine’s Cultural Heritage

Abstract

The relevance of the study is driven by the ongoing search for new forms of representing Ukraine’s cultural heritage under the conditions of digitalization and restricted physical access to museum resources. Traditional approaches to museum communication are gradually losing their effectiveness, which highlights the need to introduce innovative technologies, in particular virtual reality (VR) technologies, as an instrument for engaging audiences and expanding the interpretive possibilities of cultural content. In this regard, the issue acquires particular significance under martial law, when the preservation and promotion of national cultural heritage call for new approaches and technological solutions.

Objective. The objective of the study is to analyze the specific features of applying VR technologies in museum practice in Ukraine and to identify their potential as a tool for promoting cultural heritage. The research focuses on identifying the areas of VR application, assessing their impact on the perception of museum content, and determining the principal advantages and limitations of their use.

Methods. The methodological foundation of the study consists of a systems approach to the analysis of digital transformations in the field of museum activity. The methods of analysis and synthesis of scholarly sources were applied, along with a comparative analysis of traditional and digital formats of museum communication; in addition, elements of conceptual modeling were used to define the role of VR within the structure of the contemporary museum environment.

Results. It has been established that the use of VR contributes to increasing the level of visitor engagement, broadens access to cultural artifacts, and provides new forms of interaction with exhibitions. It has been revealed that VR technologies make it possible to reconstruct lost or inaccessible objects of cultural heritage, to create interactive environments, and to shape an individualized perceptual experience. It has also been shown that the integration of such technologies into museum practice fosters the modernization of communication strategies and enhances the competitiveness of cultural institutions. In addition, a number of limitations have been identified, associated with technical provision, financial costs, and the level of digital preparedness of personnel.

Conclusions. It has been substantiated that VR is an effective tool for promoting Ukraine’s cultural heritage, ensuring the transformation of traditional museum activity toward interactivity, accessibility, and technological innovativeness. It has been proven that the further development of this domain requires a systematic approach to the implementation of digital technologies, the enhancement of infrastructure, and the improvement of the digital competencies of specialists. The findings obtained may be applied in the development of strategies for the digitalization of the museum sector and in the formation of new models of cultural communication.