Top AI Features for Multilingual Museum Visitors
Top AI Features for Multilingual Museum Visitors
Museums are using AI to help visitors understand exhibits in their preferred language, breaking down language barriers for millions of people. Here’s how:
- Real-Time Exhibit Translation: Converts exhibit descriptions into 30-150+ languages instantly using advanced AI tools.
- Custom Language Settings: Lets visitors set their preferred language for consistent translations across their museum experience.
- AI Audio Guides: Offers multilingual, conversational storytelling with personalized content and accessibility features.
- Photo-Based Exhibit Information: Allows visitors to snap a photo of an exhibit and get detailed explanations in their chosen language.
- Smart Learning Tools: Combines language support with accessibility features like adjustable text sizes, audio options, and personalized learning paths.
These tools make museums more accessible, engaging, and welcoming for diverse audiences. Whether it’s through apps, wearable devices, or interactive kiosks, AI is transforming how people connect with art, history, and science.
Spoken Language Identification | intelligent.museum
1. Real-Time Exhibit Translation
Real-time exhibit translation is changing the way museums connect with their audiences. Using AI-driven tools, this technology translates exhibit descriptions and educational materials into visitors' preferred languages in just seconds. By employing natural language processing (NLP), neural machine translation, speech recognition, and text-to-speech systems, museums can now eliminate language barriers during visits. Advances in large language models have pushed translation accuracy to new heights - some systems are now up to 350% more precise than earlier versions. These improvements pave the way for museums to offer multilingual support seamlessly across their platforms.
Multilingual Support
Museums worldwide are going beyond simple translation services by adopting cutting-edge AI tools, wearable devices, and interactive kiosks. These innovations provide real-time translations of exhibit details and guided tours in multiple languages, ensuring a richer experience for international visitors. By offering diverse delivery methods, museums are making their spaces more inclusive and welcoming to a global audience.
Accessibility
Real-time translation doesn’t just break language barriers - it also makes museums more accessible. For visitors who depend on written content, such as those with hearing impairments, this technology can instantly convert audio narratives into text. A great example is the Prado Babel initiative at Museo Nacional del Prado in Madrid. This project has translated and dubbed video presentations into numerous languages while preserving the voice and image of museum director Miguel Falomir across all versions. Additionally, computer vision tools can interpret and describe visual elements in real time, offering text or spoken descriptions for visitors with visual impairments. These advancements ensure that museums can cater to a wide range of needs and abilities.
Interactivity
Modern translation systems go a step further by introducing interactive features that adapt to each visitor's preferences. Platforms like Museumfy allow users to snap a photo of an exhibit and receive personalized insights in more than 20 languages. This approach not only gives visitors the freedom to explore exhibits at their own pace but also encourages meaningful interactions among museum-goers from different backgrounds. By combining personalization with accessibility, these tools enhance engagement and make cultural experiences more inclusive for everyone.
2. Custom Language Settings
Custom language settings are changing the way visitors engage by tailoring experiences to their preferred language. While real-time translation helps overcome language barriers, custom settings go a step further by ensuring visitors consistently interact in their chosen language throughout their visit. By allowing this level of personalization, museums create smoother, more inclusive experiences that cater to individual needs. This approach enhances interactivity, accessibility, and overall visitor engagement.
Multilingual Support
In diverse U.S. cities, where many languages are spoken daily, the need for multilingual museum experiences has never been greater. More than 20% of Americans speak a language other than English at home. Museums are stepping up by integrating advanced language preference systems that provide multilingual support for exhibit labels, interactive displays, audio guides, and digital content - saving visitors effort and making their experience more enjoyable.
"We felt it was an important welcoming message for visitors to know that we offer programs in two languages, both English and Spanish." – John Giurini, Assistant Director for Public Affairs, Getty Museum
For example, the Heard Museum in Arizona uses AI-driven translation tools to create content specifically for the Navajo community. Similarly, the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens in Miami accommodates visitors by offering mobile guide content in Spanish, Portuguese, and Haitian Creole.
Personalization
Custom language settings also help museums create experiences that honor visitors' cultural identities. This is especially important for the 19.2 million working-age adults in the U.S. who have limited proficiency in English. These systems adjust content based on individual language skills and preferences, making visits more engaging and accessible.
"Having translated materials can empower the adults to lead and facilitate visits with their children. In addition, bilingual exhibits can be more engaging for bilingual speakers and language learners, who don't exclusively interact with one language." – Jill Kushner Bishop, American Alliance of Museums
Platforms like Museumfy showcase this approach by allowing visitors to save their language preferences for future visits while offering insights in over 20 languages. This kind of personalization not only enriches the visitor experience but also makes museums more inclusive for everyone.
Accessibility
Custom language settings play a key role in making museums more accessible. They address challenges faced by visitors who rely on written content, providing instant translations for audio guides and descriptions of visual displays. For visually impaired guests, AI-powered tools can deliver auditory descriptions of exhibits.
"We know that access is also about understanding and getting full information." – Dana Spencer Winfield, Chief Human Resources Officer, The Frick Collection
"Accessibility means looking at everything we create through the lens of inclusivity and diversity and asking questions not just about access but equal access." – Irma Cedeno Verdon
By removing language barriers, these systems help ensure that every visitor can fully engage with and enjoy the museum's offerings.
Interactivity
Custom language settings also make museum visits more interactive. Modern AI systems can maintain conversational context, allowing visitors to ask follow-up questions and receive answers in their preferred language. Features like voice-activated commands, gesture-based navigation, and tools for sharing experiences on social media enable dynamic, multimedia interactions.
"It respects her experience as an art enthusiast in a different country and connects to the country where somebody could respond in Spanish even if she asked where the bathroom is." – Cris Scorza, Helena Rubinstein Chair of Education, Whitney Museum of American Art
These interactive features turn museums into vibrant learning spaces where language diversity becomes a tool for connection and deeper understanding.
3. AI Audio Guides in Multiple Languages
AI audio guides are transforming museum visits by offering dynamic, conversational storytelling in real time. These guides go beyond the static recordings of traditional systems, delivering multilingual, personalized narratives that cater to each visitor. By blending cultural context with cutting-edge technology, they help museums connect with international tourists and diverse local communities, breaking down language barriers in the process.
Multilingual Support
Modern AI audio guides excel at translating content into multiple languages while retaining emotional depth and historical accuracy. This means visitors from varied backgrounds can enjoy narratives that feel both authentic and relatable.
In September 2023, the Smithsonian American Art Museum partnered with Smartify to launch an AI-powered digital guide. It offered personalized content in formats like English, Spanish, and American Sign Language. Within just three months, the guide attracted 35,000 unique users, with 25% returning for more. Notably, younger audiences embraced the guide, with 70% of users under the age of 40.
"AI handles the structure, the translations, the groundwork. But the heart of the story - the facts, the narrative choices, the emotion - still comes from the museum."
- Guide-ID product team
For museums catering to international visitors, starting with languages like English, Chinese, and Korean can cover a wide audience. Platforms such as Ondoku take this further, supporting up to 100 languages, making it possible to accommodate almost any visitor.
These multilingual tools lay the foundation for highly tailored and engaging experiences.
Personalization
AI audio guides like the Smithsonian's take personalization to the next level. Visitors are asked about their interests, time constraints, and preferred language. Based on their responses, they receive curated content, including artist interviews, immersive soundscapes, and tailored narratives. For instance, a Spanish-speaking art student might hear an entirely different story than a Korean-speaking family exploring the same exhibit.
"Personalized tours ensure that every visitor gets a meaningful experience, regardless of their background or knowledge level. In 2025, expect AI audio guides to become smarter, adapting on the fly to deliver hyper-personalized storytelling."
Platforms like Museumfy enhance this customization further. Visitors can snap photos of exhibits and instantly receive explanations in over 20 languages, with the content adapting to their learning style and interests.
Accessibility
AI audio guides are making museums more inclusive by offering content in multiple formats to address various accessibility needs. They provide audio descriptions, real-time transcriptions, and sign language interpretations in several languages.
These systems can also adjust voice speed, pitch, and tone to cater to individual preferences. For hearing-impaired visitors, real-time transcription and contextual captioning ensure they can follow along seamlessly.
Such features demonstrate how AI is helping museums provide equitable experiences for all visitors.
Interactivity
Interactivity is another standout feature of AI audio guides. These systems go beyond static scripts, offering real-time, conversational experiences. Visitors can ask questions, dive deeper into topics, and explore additional context - all in their preferred language.
"Our solution was to develop this new feature on the Smartify app that asks visitors to the museum the three most important questions: what is your preferred language? (Including American Sign Language and audio description options for the visually impaired.) What are you interested in? How much time have you got to spend at the museum?"
- Thanos Kokkiniotis, Smartify CEO
For example, an art student might inquire about complex techniques in Mandarin, while a history enthusiast could explore contextual details in French. The AI adapts fluidly, making the experience both engaging and memorable.
With these features, museums can deliver a seamless and enriching journey for every visitor, no matter their background or interests.
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4. Photo-Based Exhibit Information
Building on the idea of multilingual and tailored museum experiences, photo-based exhibit information taps into the everyday use of smartphones to enhance how visitors interact with exhibits. By simply pointing their phone's camera at an artwork or artifact, visitors can instantly access detailed explanations in their preferred language. This approach eliminates the need for traditional printed labels or static QR codes, offering a more fluid and engaging way to explore museum collections. It combines advancements in real-time translation with intuitive technology, making museum visits more interactive and accessible.
Multilingual Support
Photo-based systems provide instant translations in multiple languages, making museums more welcoming to international audiences. In the U.S., over 20% of the population speaks a language other than English at home, with higher percentages in cities like Chicago (36%), New York City (49%), and Los Angeles (59%).
Some museums are already leading the way. The Japanese American Museum of San Jose (JAMsj) uses QR Translator to support 15 languages, while the Weisman Art Museum (WAM) has partnered with Capption to offer translations in over 100 languages using NFC tags embedded in wall labels.
"to free the world from language barriers with the power of Web Technology."
- QR Translator
Platforms like Museumfy take this a step further by allowing visitors to snap photos of exhibits and instantly access AI-generated explanations in over 20 languages. These explanations are culturally sensitive and historically accurate, ensuring a meaningful experience for visitors.
Personalization
Photo-based tools go beyond translations by offering highly personalized experiences. For example, the International Spy Museum introduced an innovative feature in November 2024. In collaboration with Cortina Productions and Picsi.Ai, they launched an interactive AI-powered disguise experience as part of their RFID-enabled Undercover Mission. Visitors could use photo technology to try out face-swapping, aging filters, and themed backdrops like Film Noir. They could even add props like hats or scarves, creating unique, shareable photos in real time.
"The specialized facial recognition technology brings visitors face-to-face with the art of disguise – showing them how it works in a personalized and memorable way."
- Kathryn Keane, vice president of exhibitions and collections, International Spy Museum
Museums can also tailor the information they provide to match visitors' interests. For instance, art students might receive technical analyses, history buffs could explore historical context, and younger visitors might enjoy simplified, engaging explanations. This level of customization ensures that every visitor connects with the content in a way that resonates with them.
"Significant advances in AI have enabled museums to create dynamic, personalized visitor experiences...Far from being deterred by the new technology, guests have embraced the opportunity. We've been blown away by the enthusiastic visitor response and post-visit engagement."
- Bryan Heisey, principal, operations at Cortina Productions
Accessibility
Photo-based exhibit information also enhances accessibility for a wide range of visitors. High-resolution images paired with clear text descriptions benefit those with low vision. Many systems also offer adjustable font sizes and audio options to cater to individual needs.
The Weisman Art Museum's collaboration with Capption highlights these accessibility features. Beyond multilingual support, the system allows visitors to adjust text size and access alt text for artwork, creating a more inclusive environment for those with visual impairments.
"Accessibility isn't just important, it's essential for public cultural institutions like ours. We want to make sure everyone feels welcome at WAM and has the opportunity to engage with the art and ideas that make a museum visit meaningful."
- Katherine Covey Spanier, Director of Public Engagement and Learning, Weisman Art Museum
Other museums are incorporating video-based accessibility features. Institutions like the Nelson-Atkins Museum, Whitney Museum of American Art, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Smithsonian American Art Museum have developed American Sign Language (ASL) video series to make their exhibits more inclusive.
Interactivity
Photo-based technology brings a new level of interactivity to museum visits. Using image recognition, these systems can trigger multilingual audio explanations, interactive wall labels, or even game-like experiences in the visitor's language.
"Interacting with digital collections through image recognition, multilingual, accessible content is mandatory."
This technology allows visitors to dive deeper into topics that capture their interest. For example, snapping a photo of an artwork might lead to exploring the artist's biography, the historical context of the piece, or similar works within the museum's collection. It creates a personalized journey, letting visitors explore at their own pace and follow their curiosity.
5. Smart Learning and Accessibility Tools
Smart learning and accessibility tools are transforming museums into spaces that are more welcoming and inclusive for multilingual visitors. These tools build on earlier advancements like AI-driven translation and audio guides, combining language support with adaptive features to meet diverse visitor needs. The result? Museums that offer engaging experiences for everyone.
Multilingual Support
AI-powered tools are breaking down language barriers while ensuring accessibility for visitors with disabilities. A great example is the Tokyo National Museum, which provides wall labels in Japanese, English, Korean, and Mandarin Chinese. This approach ensures that international visitors, including those with visual or hearing impairments, can access information in their preferred language.
Museums are also using AI to generate consistent content across text, images, and sound, making information delivery seamless.
"A museum translator should not only be a language expert, not a general translation expert, but rather an expert of meaning-making production of exhibition texts at all linguistic levels." - Marina Manfredi
Museumfy takes this inclusivity a step further by offering adjustable text sizes and audio options. These features, combined with real-time translations, create a unified and accessible museum experience for all.
Accessibility
Accessibility remains a key focus for museums. A 2021 survey in France found that over 80% of visually impaired individuals would visit museums more often if the spaces and content were more accessible. Additionally, 97% of visually impaired respondents reported using auditory assistance during their visits.
One innovative example comes from Smithsonian Museums, which partnered with Aira to provide a powerful combination of AI and augmented reality. Visitors can download the free Aira app to connect with trained live agents who offer on-demand verbal descriptions and navigation assistance.
Similarly, the Rijksmuseum collaborated with Microsoft to create detailed audio descriptions for its artworks. Using Microsoft's Azure AI Computer Vision and Azure OpenAI, these descriptions capture not just the scene but also the mood of each piece.
Personalization
Smart learning tools shine when it comes to tailoring museum experiences to individual needs. Institutions like MoMath and the Rijksmuseum use RFID tags and customizable apps to adjust routes, language, and content depth. This personalization significantly enhances visitor engagement.
"Customizing experiences based on immediate visitor feedback enhances engagement." - Cindy Lawrence, associate director and chief of operations, National Museum of Mathematics
These tools also adapt language settings and learning styles, ensuring that visitors can access content in ways that work best for them. Research shows that visitors using personalized systems, like an Explorer's Card, spend nearly twice as much time exploring exhibits and report higher enjoyment and learning outcomes.
Interactivity
Interactivity is another strength of smart learning tools. These systems allow visitors to choose their own itineraries or themes, giving them more control over their experience while providing content in their preferred language.
Beyond tailored content, interactive features empower visitors to shape their learning journey. Real-time transcription and AI-enhanced writing tools are making communication easier for visitors with disabilities. In museums, these technologies provide real-time translations and dynamic presentations to enrich the visitor experience.
Museums are also using these tools to recommend interest-based routes and adjust content for different expertise levels and learning styles. This ensures that visitors with disabilities can engage with exhibits at their own pace and in their preferred format, creating a more inclusive and enjoyable experience. These advancements highlight how AI continues to evolve museum accessibility, building on earlier innovations like translation and audio guides to deliver comprehensive solutions for all.
Feature Comparison Table
Choosing the right AI features for your museum depends on your visitor demographics and specific needs. Below is a table that outlines the strengths, challenges, and ideal applications for various AI technologies in museum settings.
| Feature | Languages Supported | Key Strengths | Limitations | Best Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real-Time Exhibit Translation | 30–150+ depending on platform | Provides instant understanding, overcomes language barriers, integrates with existing signage | Can struggle with specialized terms or context-sensitive translations | Perfect for international museums, temporary exhibits, and diverse audiences |
| Custom Language Settings | 20–100+ languages | Offers a personalized experience with consistent language options throughout the visit | Requires initial setup and depends on available translated content | Ideal for museums with frequent visitors or educational institutions |
| AI Audio Guides | 20–45 languages | Delivers an immersive experience, supports hands-free exploration, and captures cultural nuances | Relies on battery life, may face audio quality issues, and often requires headphones | Suited for large museums, walking tours, and accessibility-focused venues |
| Photo-Based Exhibit Information | 20–50+ languages | Provides instant, interactive access to exhibit details | Needs good lighting, may not recognize all artifacts, and depends on image quality | Best for modern museums, tech-savvy audiences, and as a supplementary tool |
| Smart Learning Tools | 20–100+ languages | Adapts content to individual needs, includes extensive accessibility options, and creates personalized learning paths | Involves complex setup, higher costs, and staff training | Works well for educational museums, accessibility-focused spaces, and repeat visitors |
The sections below explore translation accuracy, setup strategies, costs, and accessibility benefits to help you make informed decisions. Incorporating these AI tools can transform museum experiences, as platforms like Museumfy demonstrate, by breaking language barriers and making exhibits more inclusive.
Translation Accuracy Comparison
Different AI translation tools bring varying levels of accuracy. DeepL performs exceptionally well with European languages, offering natural translations that incorporate cultural subtleties. Google Translate, with support for over 130 languages, is fast but may falter with specialized museum terms. Smartling combines machine translation with human editing across 100+ languages, making it a top choice for institutions that prioritize precision.
Implementation and Cost Considerations
Visitor demographics play a key role in selecting the right features. For instance, the Smithsonian American Art Museum partnered with Smartify in September 2023 to introduce an AI-powered digital guide. Within just three months, it attracted 35,000 unique users, 70% of whom were under 40 years old. For smaller museums, photo-based systems like Museumfy offer a budget-friendly option, delivering 90% accuracy across 20+ languages. On the other hand, smart learning tools demand higher initial investments but provide robust accessibility and adaptive features to meet diverse visitor needs.
Accessibility Impact
Accessibility is more than a cost factor - it’s a game changer for visitor engagement. A survey in France found that over 80% of visually impaired individuals would visit museums more often if accessibility improved. By selecting the right AI tools, museums can make exhibits more inclusive and attract broader audiences.
When evaluating these features, consider visitor needs, budget constraints, and accessibility goals. The best results often come from combining multiple tools to create a seamless, multilingual experience that caters to a wide range of visitors.
Conclusion
AI-driven multilingual tools are reshaping how museums connect with their visitors by tearing down language barriers that have long limited access to cultural treasures. With a diverse audience that includes many non-English speakers, museums can no longer ignore the importance of multilingual accessibility.
This shift goes far beyond simple translation. Top museums around the world are already leveraging this technology. Institutions like The Louvre in Paris, The British Museum in London, and The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York now use AI translation tools to provide real-time exhibit details in over 30 languages through mobile apps, smart glasses, and interactive kiosks.
The real power of these tools lies in selecting the right features for each audience. Real-time translation breaks down immediate communication hurdles, while custom language settings create tailored experiences for returning visitors. AI audio guides offer immersive, hands-free exploration, and photo-based systems deliver instant, precise exhibit details in 20+ languages. Together, these tools redefine how people engage with museum exhibits.
By adopting these technologies, museums can improve visitor satisfaction and expand their global reach. When visitors can effortlessly access content in their preferred language - whether through an app, audio guide, or other tools - they're more likely to return and recommend the experience to others.
The future of museum accessibility hinges on thoughtful integration of these AI solutions. By doing so, museums can ensure that cultural exchange thrives, welcoming visitors from all linguistic backgrounds and fostering a truly inclusive environment.
FAQs
How do AI-powered audio guides improve the museum experience for multilingual visitors?
AI-powered audio guides are changing how multilingual visitors experience museums by delivering real-time translations in more than 20 languages. This makes exhibits easier to understand and more engaging for people who speak different languages.
What’s even better? These guides offer personalized options like adjusting the narration style or suggesting additional exhibits based on what a visitor enjoys. This means visitors can explore museums in their native language, at their own speed, and with a level of comfort that makes the experience both inclusive and immersive.
How does photo-based exhibit information improve accessibility in museums?
Photo-based exhibit information helps make museum visits more accessible and engaging for a wide range of visitors. By letting guests take a quick photo of an exhibit, museums can offer detailed descriptions, historical context, and personalized insights in various languages. This ensures that more people can connect with the artwork and fully appreciate its story.
This method is particularly helpful for visitors with visual impairments. It can include features like tactile elements and in-depth audio explanations, allowing them to experience exhibits in a meaningful way. By combining traditional displays with modern accessibility tools, museums can create a more inclusive and inviting space for everyone.
How do personalized language settings make museum visits more inclusive for non-English speakers?
Making museum experiences accessible to non-English speakers often comes down to personalized language settings. Features like translated exhibit descriptions, multilingual audio guides, and real-time AI translations allow visitors to explore exhibits in the language they’re most comfortable with.
By breaking down language barriers, these tools ensure that everyone can engage deeply with the art, history, and stories on display. The result? A more welcoming space where people from all backgrounds can connect with the museum’s treasures in a way that feels personal and meaningful.