Museums possess the unique ability to capture and preserve moments in time. As visitors explore these historical sanctuaries, they journey through epochs, from envisioning the lives of prehistoric ancestors and admiring the vibrancy of modern artists, to looking ahead at future innovations. While iconic institutions like the Louvre Museum, the Palace Museum, and the Museum of Modern Art continue to captivate global audiences, Trip.com – a premier travel service provider – highlights the emerging trends in museums worldwide this International Museum Day on May 18.
Museums are increasingly incorporating cutting-edge installations and technology to enhance visitor experiences, seamlessly merging the past with the future. One notable example is the Guardians of Time exhibition at the Guimet Museum in Paris, sponsored by Trip.com. Running from April 2024 to February 2025, this exhibition showcases works by Chinese artist Jiang Qiong Er, transforming key museum spaces, including its façade and ancient Asian art collections, into a visionary exploration of time. This event is part of the China-France Year of Cultural Tourism and coincides with the influx of global visitors to Paris for the upcoming Summer Olympics, offering a unique cultural experience.
The museum’s façade features the Origin installation, a modern reinterpretation of China’s Mogao, Yungang, and Longmen grottoes. Artificial intelligence has conceptualized twelve mythical creatures that adorn the building, celebrating the Year of the Dragon and symbolizing values like peace, inclusion, and environmental stewardship. Inside, the Her Voice – Bravery installation suspends a massive net above the rooftop, embroidered with stories from 60 diasporic Chinese women in a revived “ women’s script ” inspired by the ancient nv shu. These poetic narratives convey their life experiences, aspirations, and resilience.
Digital advancements are also transforming museums globally. With virtual and augmented reality experiences, enhanced digital access, and streamlined booking systems, age-old museums are engaging broader audiences. For instance, the Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum in Xi’an offers a VR film that brings the terracotta warriors to life, allowing visitors to experience ancient Chinese history in an immersive way. This museum, in collaboration with Trip.com, has launched a digital platform that offers online booking and payment options, along with a mini digital museum for pre-trip learning.
Trip.com is leveraging its extensive user network and innovative products to create new opportunities for museums, helping them connect with a global audience and embrace the future. In response to environmental challenges, museums are utilizing immersive exhibits and interactive displays to engage visitors in conversations about our relationship with nature. From January 27 to June 23, the National Museum of Singapore is hosting “ Plastic: Remaking Our World ,” an exhibition that traces the rise of plastic in the 20th century, its environmental impact, and sustainable solutions. An immersive film installation contrasts the slow formation of oil with the rapid creation of plastic waste, while an interactive space filled with everyday objects highlights the prevalence of plastics in our lives. Additionally, “ Story of the Forest ,” a permanent exhibition at the museum, uses a stunning 3D display by the Japanese digital art collective teamLab. Inspired by the William Farquhar Collection of Natural History Drawings, it offers visitors an interactive journey through the nineteenth-century wildlife of the Malay Peninsula.
Trip.com is committed to connecting travelers with engaging exhibits and programs worldwide. Whether exploring ancient civilizations, admiring artistic masterpieces, or discovering new cultural voices, Trip.com collaborates with museums globally to preserve and share cultural heritage for future generations.
