Latgale museums bring exhibitions to people through virtual tours

Latgale museums have created virtual tours and a mobile app to bring their exhibitions and collections to people in care homes and educational institutions, Latgale Regional Television reported in a story published by LSM.

The virtual tours feature selected exhibits that reflect the uniqueness of each museum. Visitors can view the objects from different angles and learn how they were made and what they look like up close.

Valērijs Dzevaltovskis, exhibitions curator at the Ludza Local History Museum, said the virtual format allows visitors to examine objects in ways that are not possible in a display case.

One of the main aims of the project is to make museums accessible to people with mobility difficulties or those unable to visit in person. This includes people who cannot leave their homes, live in social care centres or are undergoing long-term health rehabilitation and care.

Sarmīte Teivāne, project manager at the Latgale Planning Region, said the virtual format enabled museums to visit people who could not get out and gave them more opportunities to tell people about their work.

Museum staff also plan to visit schools to interest children and young people. Dzevaltovskis said museums must be not only associated with the past but also reflect modern technology.

The Latgale Planning Region began creating the virtual tour together with nine museums in the region. The museums were provided with virtual reality glasses as part of the project.