The Homeland Museum of Knjaževac is redefining its role in the 21st century by integrating advanced technologies into its institutional practice, with a clear focus on accessibility, inclusion, and long-term sustainability. Through the SHIFT project—supported by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 programme and implemented by the Balkan Museum Network—as a site of the pilot case study the museum has received a comprehensive set of digital equipment intended for the realisation of the pilot as well as to strengthen its capacity to interpret, reproduce, and communicate cultural heritage in innovative and inclusive ways.
Apart from the pilot case, donated equipment will also be actively and purposefully applied across several core areas of museum work. Technologies such as 3D scanning and additive manufacturing are used to create high-fidelity replicas of fragile artefacts, supporting tactile access for blind and partially sighted visitors and expanding the museum’s inclusive interpretative practices. At the same time, virtual and augmented reality tools are enabling the development of immersive educational experiences and remote access options, bringing the museum’s narratives closer to broader and more diverse audiences.
The pilot exhibition is scheduled to take place on 30 July 2025.
Apart from this testing. by embedding these technologies into its daily operations and long-term planning, the museum is not only enriching its engagement strategies but also building a resilient digital infrastructure that enhances institutional sustainability. This approach ensures that the museum remains responsive to contemporary expectations while staying rooted in its mission to preserve, share, and make accessible the cultural heritage of the region.
Simultaneously, the implementation of extended reality tools—such as virtual and augmented reality devices—opens new dimensions in visitor engagement, allowing for both on-site and remote participation. These technologies support the development of virtual tours, customized interpretive content, and interactive educational programs, providing multi-layered access to the museum’s collections and narratives. In doing so, the museum positions itself as both a physical and digital cultural hub, responsive to the needs of diverse audiences.
Importantly, this shift is not merely technological, but strategic. The museum’s adoption of these tools is anchored in a long-term vision of institutional sustainability. By diversifying interpretive formats and expanding digital content, the museum enhances its relevance in contemporary society, increases its potential for audience development, and lays the groundwork for future collaboration with educational institutions, heritage professionals, and the creative industries. The equipment is not an end in itself, but a catalyst for broader transformation—strengthening the museum’s role as an inclusive, accessible, and innovative public institution.
This investment also underscores the importance of systemic support and regional collaboration. As a designated use-case provider within the SHIFT consortium, the Homeland Museum of Knjaževac contributes to a regional model for the inclusive digital transformation of museums. Through its involvement in the Balkan Museum Network, the museum shares knowledge, builds capacity, and engages in peer learning—ensuring that technological innovation translates into sustainable institutional practice.
Ultimately, the Homeland Museum of Knjaževac exemplifies how local heritage institutions can lead through innovation—balancing preservation with participation, and tradition with transformation.
The activity is part of the SHIFT project (Metamorphosis of Cultural Heritage Into Augmented Hypermedia Assets for Enhanced Accessibility and Inclusion) that is being funded by the European Union Horizon Europe program.
More about SHIFT project on: https://shift-europe.eu/