Museum brings unseen heritage to life
ESKİŞEHİR
A pioneering initiative in Türkiye is redefining museology by merging cultural heritage with advanced digital technologies, offering new ways to experience history beyond the limits of physical spaces.
Umay Museum, founded in May 2015, operates within the Anadolu Technology Research Park (ATAP) at Eskişehir’s Yunus Emre Campus. Functioning as both a research and development company and a creative production hub, the initiative focuses on digital museology, producing original content and designing contemporary museum experiences.
The museum team has been carrying out virtual reality projects that digitally reconstruct significant historical sites. Its first VR work was developed for the Muradiye Madrasa in the northwestern province of Bursa, followed by immersive digital experiences for the ancient cities of Amorium and Kyzikos.
In more recent projects, the initiative has brought Eskişehir’s Karacahisar Castle into the digital realm using VR technologies, enabling users to explore the site through realistic, three-dimensional simulations. These projects aim to make cultural heritage more accessible while preserving historical authenticity.
In addition to virtual applications, Umay Museum has played an active role in the development of physical museums in Türkiye. The team has contributed to a number of museum projects, including those dedicated to the Sarıkamış Operation and large-scale panorama museums, overseeing processes ranging from conceptual design to implementation. Their work encompasses interior spatial design, exhibition planning and the integration of digital experience areas.
Over the past decade, the initiative has carried out seven major projects within ATAP, each generating more than 100 tangible outputs. Its multidisciplinary approach covers a wide spectrum of museological practices, from architectural design and content production to the incorporation of artificial intelligence into exhibitions.
Umay Museum also stands out for its role in education and talent development. Students are actively involved in ongoing projects, gaining hands-on experience in digital production and museum design. Many of these participants later become part of the core team and, after gaining experience, go on to contribute to national and international projects. To date, the initiative has helped train more than 30 qualified professionals working in fields such as art, animation and museum content production.
Expanding its scope, the museum is also exploring emerging digital fields that are reshaping storytelling in museums. Blockchain-based projects, NFT works and digital gaming experiences are among its recent areas of focus. One such example is “Clash Up,” a blockchain-based game that reflects the initiative’s effort to create new forms of cultural expression and interaction.
According to project contributors, digitalization is increasing both the visibility and engagement capacity of museums. Rather than replacing physical institutions, virtual museums serve as complementary platforms that enhance visitor experience and broaden access to cultural assets.
With the continued development of VR and AR technologies, digital museology is expected to gain further prominence in the coming years. However, experts emphasize that one of the most pressing needs in this field is the training of young professionals capable of producing high-quality digital content.
By combining art, technology and education, Umay Museum aims not only to preserve cultural heritage but also to reinterpret it for contemporary audiences. Its approach represents a growing trend in next-generation museology, where unseen elements are made visible and unheard stories are brought to life through innovative digital tools.