How do museums actually build intercultural understanding?
Museums promote intercultural understanding by giving people meaningful access to the cultural traditions of different ethnic groups. A 2025 study of Ukrainian museums of ethnic communities found that through their collections and exhibitions, these museums provide access to the cultural heritage of national minorities, which in turn fosters recognition of those groups, strengthens tolerance toward others, and directly promotes intercultural understanding [1][3]. This works because visitors can see, learn about, and engage with traditions they might not otherwise encounter.
But this only happens when museums actively include diverse stories. A 2026 study of Egyptian museums revealed a stark gap: despite a large refugee population from Sudan, Syria, Yemen, Iraq, and Palestine, Egyptian museums have largely overlooked their stories, heritage, and experiences in exhibitions and programs [2]. The study identified critical barriers—institutional priorities, limited resources, and broader sociopolitical dynamics—that hinder cultural inclusion. However, it also found emerging awareness among museum professionals of the need to engage marginalized groups, and proposed practical strategies like co-created exhibitions and intercultural workshops to amplify refugee voices [2].
Can digital tools help museums reach more people and improve understanding?
Yes, digital tools significantly expand museums' ability to promote intercultural understanding, especially for audiences who cannot visit in person. A 2025 study examined virtual educational tours from major institutions like the British Museum, the Louvre, and the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, and found that these digital experiences contribute to essential learning outcomes, including the development of intercultural understanding and critical thinking [4]. This is particularly valuable for students in underserved or geographically remote educational settings who otherwise would have no access to these cultural resources.
Digital technology also energizes inter-museum cultural exchange exhibitions. A 2024 study showed that digital tools in such exchanges deepen public education, lead dialogue on social issues, and promote cultural exchanges and heritage protection [5]. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this shift: research on Polish museums found that during lockdown, digital technologies were used to popularize museum collections and seek contact with audiences at various levels, marking a significant leap forward [6]. However, the same study found that after reopening, audiences still overwhelmingly preferred in-person visits—they valued personal contact with original works of art in a museum gallery [6]. So digital tools are a powerful supplement, not a replacement.
What prevents museums from being more effective at this?
The main barriers are institutional priorities, limited resources, and sociopolitical dynamics. The 2026 Egyptian museum study found that these factors often hinder the cultural inclusion of refugee communities, even when museum professionals are aware of the need to engage marginalized groups [2]. Without dedicated initiatives—like co-created exhibitions, intercultural workshops, and collaborations with refugee organizations—museums risk perpetuating exclusion rather than building understanding.
Another challenge is that digital tools, while helpful, cannot fully replicate the impact of in-person experiences. The Polish museum study showed that despite rich digital offerings during the pandemic, viewers still wanted to return to a 'real museum' [6]. This suggests that for intercultural understanding to be truly effective, museums need to combine digital outreach with authentic, in-person engagement that allows visitors to connect directly with cultural artifacts and stories.
Sources used in this answer
The Relevance of Ukrainian Museums of Ethnic Communities to the Preservation of Their Identity and Cultural Representation
Ukrainian ethnic community museums provide meaningful access to cultural traditions of ethnic groups, fostering recognition of minorities, strengthening tolerance, and promoting intercultural understanding.
Cultural Rights and Social Inclusion: Reflections on the Engagement of Refugee Communities in Egyptian Museums
Egyptian museums largely overlook refugee communities; critical barriers include institutional priorities and limited resources, but emerging awareness and strategies like co-created exhibitions can help.
Українські музеї етнічних спільнот: роль у збереженні ідентичності та культурній репрезентації
Same as paper 1—Ukrainian ethnic community museums foster recognition of national minorities and promote intercultural understanding through their collections and exhibitions.
VIRTUAL EDUCATIONAL TOURS OF CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS – GOOD INTERNATIONAL PRACTICES
Virtual tours from major institutions like the British Museum and Louvre develop intercultural understanding and critical thinking, especially for students in remote or underserved settings.
Digital Technology Energizes Inter-Museum Cultural Exchange Exhibitions
Digital technology in inter-museum cultural exchange exhibitions deepens public education, leads dialogue on social issues, and promotes cultural exchanges and heritage protection.
Museums without Visitors? Crisis of the Polish Museums during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Their Revival under the Digital Experience Offer
During the pandemic, Polish museums significantly increased digital offerings, but after reopening, audiences still strongly preferred in-person visits for authentic cultural experiences.