Museum Connections 2026: Where Trust, Technology and the Future of Museums Converge
- Gen de Art
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Paris, January 2026 — Museum Connections once again confirmed its role as a key observatory of the museum world in transformation, bringing together cultural professionals, technologists and decision-makers around a shared challenge: how can museums remain trusted, relevant and resilient in an era of profound social and technological change?
Held against a backdrop of economic uncertainty and accelerating innovation, this year’s edition placed resilience at the heart of its programme — not as an abstract concept, but as a practical mindset for the future. From accessibility and sustainability to artificial intelligence and immersive experiences, Museum Connections 2026 revealed a sector balancing caution with ambition.
Resilience as a Cultural Strategy
For Claire de Longeaux, Event Director of Museum Connections, the choice of theme was self-evident. “Considering the global economic situation, resilience felt like the most relevant topic,” she explained. “Museums need to learn how to anticipate the future, make the most of what they already have, and adapt to social expectations.”
Those expectations are expanding rapidly. Accessibility, inclusion and sustainability are no longer optional but fundamental. “Welcoming everyone — regardless of age, disability or income — is essential,” de Longeaux noted. “In museums, this translates directly into accessibility.”
At the same time, institutions must navigate the rapid evolution of digital tools, particularly artificial intelligence. While AI opens new possibilities for mediation, interpretation and visitor services, it also raises questions of reliability and ethics. “Museums are trusted institutions,” she said. “AI cannot yet be fully trusted. Everything it produces has to be verified. Museums must remain cautious, because their credibility is essential.”
This notion of trust emerged as a defining thread of the 2026 edition. In an era marked by misinformation and synthetic content, museums continue to be perceived as places of truth. “People still believe what museums say,” de Longeaux reflected. “That’s extraordinary — and it comes with responsibility.”
The XR Pavilion: Immersion Takes Centre Stage
One of the most dynamic areas of the fair was the XR Pavilion, curated for the fourth consecutive year by Othman Chiheb, specialist in immersive technologies. Larger than ever, the space reflected the rapid maturation of XR within the cultural sector.
“This pavilion is growing every year because demand is growing,” Chiheb explained. “Museums are looking for concrete solutions, and immersive technologies are now answering real needs.”
Seven exhibitors were selected for the 2026 edition, each offering a distinct approach — from VR and mixed reality to full-scale immersive installations. The objective was clarity and complementarity. “Some museums need content production, others need hardware, others want turnkey solutions. The idea is that every visitor can find what they are looking for.”
The acceleration of XR adoption is unmistakable. Today, dozens of museums in France alone offer immersive experiences, and audiences increasingly expect them. Advances in AI, lighter hardware and scalable deployment models have made these technologies more accessible than ever.
“Immersion doesn’t necessarily mean headsets,” Chiheb noted. “It can also be screens, scenography, storytelling. What matters is enhancing the experience. Museums that don’t evolve risk losing their attractiveness.”
Courtesy at Museum Connections 2026
Trust as the Cornerstone of Innovation
Despite the growing presence of advanced technologies, both interviews returned to the same essential value: trust. Whether discussing AI-generated content or immersive storytelling, transparency remains non-negotiable.
Museums, de Longeaux emphasized, cannot compromise on authenticity — even when technology offers shortcuts. “If a museum shows a replica, it must say so. Trust is the foundation of the relationship with the public.”
This philosophy also defines the role of Museum Connections itself. The event does not aim to dictate solutions, but to create a space for dialogue, knowledge-sharing and collective reflection. By bringing together institutions, suppliers and innovators, it acts as a catalyst for informed evolution rather than disruption for its own sake.
