Digital Integration at the Palace Museum: Fusing Traditional Arts with Digital Media

Kewen Luo; Faryna Binti Mohd Khalis; Meilin Guo

Kewen Luo Universiti Teknologi MARA
Faryna Binti Mohd Khalis
Meilin Guo

Abstract

This study presents an in-depth analysis of how digital platforms have revolutionised the presentation and accessibility of traditional arts, focussing on the case of the Palace Museum in Beijing. The museum’s digital curation practises, including online exhibitions and virtual tours, have expanded its global reach and fostered greater engagement with its extensive collection of cultural artefacts. In contrast to previous studies, this study offers a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics between traditional visual arts and digital media. Specifically, it investigates the impacts of digital initiatives on visitor engagement, interpretation of arts, and preservation of artefacts. This is achieved through a detailed qualitative case study approach that includes an analysis of the museum’s digital features and a comparison with traditional approaches. The findings reveal the museum's digital strategies have significantly enhanced the visitor experience by providing interactive and accessible ways to appreciate traditional visual arts. Moreover, digital integration has effectively expanded the museum’s audience, contributing to global engagement with traditional Chinese visual arts. The implications of this study underscore the potential of digital platforms in revitalising traditional arts, while highlighting associated challenges such as maintaining authenticity and avoiding digital exclusion. This study contributes to the field by providing insights into future strategies in the digital transformation of the arts and cultural sector.

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