UNESCO and the International Council of Museums (ICOM) have launched a global survey on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in museums — the first initiative of its kind to map how cultural institutions worldwide are adopting the technology. The survey will inform new international guidance on the responsible use of AI across the museum sector.
The initiative examines how museums are using AI for collection management, digitisation, interpretation, visitor experience, conservation science and audience engagement, while also assessing the ethical, legal and operational challenges involved — from data governance and intellectual property to bias, transparency and the protection of cultural heritage.
Digital heritage and the future of museums
Uganda is already embracing digital transformation through the museums.tourism.go.ug platform, which digitises collections, offers virtual tours and provides a public window into the nation’s cultural and natural heritage. The UNESCO–ICOM survey offers an opportunity for institutions like ours to align digital innovation with global best practice and ethical safeguards.
The findings will shape recommendations that help museums of every size harness AI responsibly — ensuring technology serves the core mission of museums: to preserve, study and share heritage for the benefit of all.