Published in July 2021, this article examines how pandemic lockdowns accelerated digital transformation across Italy’s cultural sector, pushing museums and galleries to adopt virtual exhibition technologies and online engagement strategies.
Digital adoption accelerates across Italian museums
Pandemic restrictions forced millions of Italians to rely on digital services, prompting cultural institutions to modernize their operations. According to the Observatory for Digital Innovation in Cultural Heritage and Activities at Milan’s Politecnico di Milano, 76 percent of Italian museums had a presence on at least one social network by 2020. Extended closures shifted audience expectations toward remote access to cultural experiences, compelling museums and galleries to invest in digital infrastructure beyond basic social media presence.
Technology solutions reshape cultural experience
Several Italian institutions pioneered immersive digital techniques. The Galleria dell’Accademia in Florence, the Paestum archaeological park, and Castel del Monte in Andria implemented solutions including imaging, 3D scanning, and digital cataloguing of artworks. These approaches enabled visitors to explore collections remotely while providing museums with detailed digital records of their holdings. The startup Oasis srl capitalized on this trend by offering cultural institutions specialized digital services, including 360-degree photography and 3D surveys, with projects completed for clients such as Bel-Air Fine Art.
Frequently asked questions
What percentage of Italian museums used social media in 2020?
According to the Politecnico di Milano’s Observatory for Digital Innovation in Cultural Heritage and Activities, 76 percent of Italian museums had presence on at least one social network by 2020.
Which Italian cultural institutions adopted 3D scanning and digital cataloguing?
The Galleria dell’Accademia in Florence, the Paestum archaeological park, and Castel del Monte in Andria utilized imaging, 3D scanning, and digital work catalogues.
What digital services did Oasis srl provide to cultural venues?
Oasis srl offered 360-degree photography and 3D survey services to cultural sector organizations, including projects for Bel-Air Fine Art.
