In Beijing, a pioneering step was taken to merge the realms of cultural heritage and technological innovation with the formation of a digital alliance of cultural heritage institutions. This significant move, orchestrated by the Beijing Municipal Cultural Heritage Bureau, marks a bold stride towards infusing life into cultural relics through the lens of modern technology.
This alliance comprises 15 diverse members, including esteemed cultural institutions, prominent media houses, renowned museums, and forward-thinking tech companies. United by a common vision, they aim to construct a national, non-profit digital platform dedicated to the resurrection and amplification of the value of cultural relics using digital means.
At the heart of this initiative lies the ambition to harness the transformative power of technology. The alliance is set to explore groundbreaking techniques for the restoration of cultural relics, foster innovative models of cooperation, and enrich the legacy of artifacts for generations to come.
Shan Jixiang, the esteemed chairman of the China Cultural Relics Academy and director of the Academic Committee of the Palace Museum, played a pivotal role in this initiative. During the launch ceremony, he reflected on the Palace Museum’s journey towards the digitalization of its vast collection of cultural relics.
Shan emphasized the role of technology in this endeavor, stating that its use extends beyond mere display. It’s crucial to intertwine the preservation of cultural relics with technological advancements to elevate the overall exhibition experience.
Capitalizing on the rich heritage of the Palace Museum, Shan and his team embarked on a mission to digitize the museum’s extensive collection. This digital transformation aimed to enhance the promotion of the museum’s culture, especially on various social media platforms.
A notable achievement in this digital venture is the establishment of a digital gallery at Duanmen Gate, the primary gateway to the imperial palace. Inaugurated in 2015, this gallery hall showcases screens that elucidate architectural features and cultural relics, some of which are too delicate for physical display.
Shan proudly described the digital gallery as one of the world’s premier digital exhibitions. It’s not just a showcase of technological prowess but also a display of original works derived from the museum’s rich collection.
This gallery offers visitors an immersive experience, allowing them to engage with 1,200 ancient buildings, delve into the designs of 1,500 rare carpets, replicate ancient calligraphy, and interact with animals depicted in paintings.
An innovative use of virtual reality (VR) technology further elevates the visitor experience. Through VR, guests can virtually enter inaccessible halls of the Forbidden City, “try on” historical costumes, and engage in weaving intricate designs with an electronic shuttle. The highlight of this experience is a virtual reality theater where seven VR films, played on a loop, offer visitors insights into the museum’s details, including aerial views, that are not usually accessible during standard visits.
Luo Jing, the head of the Science, Technology and Education Department of the National Cultural Heritage Administration, reflected on the broader impact of the information technology revolution during the launch ceremony. He acknowledged that this revolution has significantly transformed people’s lives and thought processes, also influencing the work of cultural professionals.
Luo commended the formation of the alliance as a significant mechanism that deserves recognition. Chen Mingjie, director of the Beijing Municipal Cultural Heritage Bureau, echoed this sentiment. He highlighted that digitization is a key strategy for revitalizing cultural relics and that innovation remains the everlasting theme in the realm of cultural digitization.
A forum at the ceremony provided a platform for stakeholders of the alliance to share their experiences and innovative applications of digital technology in various fields. These fields span cultural relics, archaeology, live performances, game development, and video production related to cultural relics, illustrating the wide-reaching impact of this technological revolution in cultural heritage preservation.
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