Phase III:
Navigating systematic pressures
Museums in times of economic, social, and technological transformation
Confronting the future
The phase III focused on how museums can navigate profound economic, social, environmental, and technological shifts—ranging from cost-of-living crises and societal polarisation to AI, emerging technologies, and new urban and economic models.
Phase III combines strategic foresight with applied research, enabling museum leaders to collectively explore future scenarios, test new approaches, and develop practical frameworks for long-term resilience and public value.
47
18
4
Continents
Countries
Institutions
Key topics explored
Four core themes guided our collaborative learning and research throughout Phase III
O1
Relevance
Exploring how museums can remain relevant in times of economic crises, societal change, and technological disruption—by redefining their role, strengthening public value, and demonstrating impact to funders, policymakers, and communities.
O2
Audience development
Exploring how museums can build lifelong relationships with audiences by fostering emotional connection, wellbeing, and meaningful engagement through storytelling, cultural participation, and inclusive experiences.
O3
Digitalization & Management
Exploring how data, AI, and emerging technologies can support dynamic pricing, personalised experiences, and smarter organisational models—enabling museums to operate more strategically and sustainably.
O4
Cross-sector development
Exploring how museums can collaborate with other sectors—such as urban development, circular economy, retail, gastronomy, and public space planning—to create new forms of cultural value, partnerships, and hybrid cultural ecosystems.
Highlights
A visual journey through key moments from Phase III
Meeting at SMK
Copenhagen, April 2024
Meeting at Swarovski Crystal Worlds
Wattens, December 2024
Meeting at Peabody Essex Museum
Salem, May 2025
Meeting at Perlan
Reykjavik, Decemeber 2025
“Since joining Future Museum, we have gained valuable insights into emerging trends and technologies that are shaping the future of museums”
Carolina Fabregas Hernández
The Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza
Phase I
(2019 - 2021)
Visitor experience, digitalization & management, design & technology
Phase III
(2024 - 2026)
Vision & relevance of museums, cross sector development, digitalization & management
Phase II
(2021 - 2024)
Audience development, cross media development, digitalization & management
Phase IV
(2026-2028)
Sustainability, well-being, revenue and technology