Virtual journey

Navigating through history: The virtual leap of the hellenic IT museum

Dream: The Hellenic IT Museum aimed to bridge the physical distance between its unique exhibits and a global audience by leveraging modern technology. The dream was to create a virtual tour that not only showcases the museum's extensive collection but also educates and engages users from the comfort of their homes.

Idea: Inspired by the need to stay at the forefront of technological trends and to expand its reach, the museum initiated the development of a virtual tour application in 2018. This forward-thinking project allowed users to interact with exhibits and gain insights into the evolution of IT, reflecting the museum's commitment to innovation and education.

Realization: The virtual tour was implemented using Matterport technology, renowned for its immersive 3D virtual experiences. Specialized cameras and lighting were employed to capture the exhibits in high detail, facilitating an engaging online exploration. Completed in just one month, the virtual tour became a testament to the museum's dedication to making history accessible to all.

Challenges and Solutions: The main challenge was to replicate the physical museum experience in a virtual format without losing the essence of interaction and learning. By partnering with a 3D modeling company, the museum effectively highlighted its exhibits, ensuring that the virtual tour is informative, navigable, and visually appealing.

Innovation: This initiative represents a significant innovation in the museum sector, especially within Southeastern Europe, by offering an interactive and educational virtual tour. It stands as a model for how museums can adapt to digital trends, enhancing their educational impact and global accessibility.

Effect: The launch of the virtual tour saw a remarkable increase in website traffic, with an estimated 100,000 clicks during the pandemic. This surge not only underscored the tour's popularity but also its utility as a tele-education tool for schools nationwide, reinforcing the museum's role in supporting education during challenging times.

Target Audience: Primarily designed for individuals unable to visit the museum physically, the virtual tour reaches a diverse audience, including students, educators, and technology enthusiasts worldwide, democratizing access to cultural and historical knowledge.

Sustainability: The project's sustainability lies in its ability to continuously engage with audiences without the need for frequent updates or extensive manpower. Once established, the virtual tour serves as a long-term asset, attracting visitors and supporting the museum's mission of education and accessibility.

Digital Tools: The use of Matterport technology and specialized imaging equipment facilitated the creation of a user-friendly virtual experience. This approach minimized the need for ongoing technical support or staff training, making it an efficient and effective digital solution.

Funding: Sponsored by an industry company as part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives, the project highlights the potential for public-private partnerships in preserving and promoting cultural heritage.

Plans: Looking ahead, the Hellenic IT Museum intends to continue expanding its digital offerings, ensuring that its treasures are accessible to anyone with an internet connection. This practice not only enhances the museum's outreach but also sets a precedent for integrating technology and culture in meaningful ways.

Responsibile institution: Hellenic IT Museum
https://elmp.gr/3dvirtualtour/
Contact person on good practice: Georgios Tsekouras , Founder