Digital Culture & AudioVisual Challenges

Virtual Reality as a Medium for Cultural Heritage: Theoretical Approaches

Summary

This paper critically explores Virtual Reality (VR) as a transformative medium in the field of cultural heritage, advancing theoretical perspectives that position VR not merely as a tool for visualization but as a framework for reconfiguring heritage engagement, preservation, and dissemination. While existing literature outlines the technical and educational benefits of VR, this study uniquely contributes by synthesizing diverse theoretical frameworks—ranging from dialogic perpetuation and socio-cultural sustainability to gamified interaction—and evaluating their convergence through immersive methodologies. The paper moves beyond general advocacy for VR in cultural sectors by interrogating how digital narratives, motion capture, and mixed-reality modeling reshape the epistemology of cultural memory. It argues that VR does not only support cultural heritage transmission but also redefines authenticity, participation, and accessibility in heritage contexts. By assessing case-based implementations and theoretical models, this work articulates how VR applications generate a new paradigm for cultural continuity in digital ecosystems.

Objective

The main aim of this study is to analyze theories supporting VR as a medium for cultural heritage. More specifically, the study aims to:

1. Study the theoretical frameworks that govern VR in heritage preservation.
2. Investigate the methodologies of the study from recent explorations of VR and cultural heritage.
3. Explore VR experiences that improve interaction and engagement with cultural heritage.
4. Appraise the success of VR in preserving and conveying cultural knowledge.

Method

The method outlines how VR is applied in cultural heritage through digital preservation theories, immersive engagement models, and socio-cultural sustainability approaches. Trifunović (2024) emphasizes that digital preservation extends beyond archiving by using interactive storytelling and sensory immersion to deepen engagement with artifacts. Similarly, Dayoub et al. (2024) argue that Metaverse-based VR tourism allows avatar-guided visits that support heritage sites both economically and culturally. Makris (2024) introduces “dialogic perpetuation,” where VR fosters ongoing cultural dialogue between users and historical narratives. This aligns with experiential learning theories that prioritize interaction over passive observation. Dimara et al. (2024) note that combining AR and 3D modeling in mixed-reality strategies supports sustainable heritage management and enhances preservation practices. Researchers use comparative analyses, user-experience testing, and simulations to measure VR’s cultural engagement. For example, Inkuer & Yang (2024) pair VR modeling with ethnographic fieldwork to digitally conserve ancient villages while preserving historical accuracy and authenticity.

Gamification is central to many VR heritage applications. Srdanović et al. (2024) highlight the InHeritage project, a gamified AR/VR app designed to boost public interest in historical content. Results show that game mechanics improve knowledge retention and emotional connection, reinforcing the idea that interactivity fosters deeper cultural learning.

Motion capture is also advancing cultural preservation. Yan (2024) demonstrates how digitized ethnic costumes help safeguard intangible heritage such as rituals, dress, and traditions. These approaches reflect the varied uses of VR in both tangible and intangible heritage domains.

Conclusion

The study finds that Virtual Reality is not just an innovative medium for cultural heritage but a shift in how societies preserve, transmit, and engage with cultural identity. Rather than echoing known technological benefits, this paper shows that VR fosters a move from passive conservation to dialogic, user-driven preservation—where immersion, interaction, and emotional engagement reshape cultural transmission. The integration of gamification (Srdanović et al., 2024), motion capture (Yan, 2024), and mixed-reality modeling (Dimara et al., 2024) is not simply additive but part of a new interpretive framework in heritage studies. Dialogic perpetuation (Makris, 2024) frames VR as a space where historical narratives are dynamic and participatory, allowing ongoing meaning-making.

Drawing on experiential learning and digital preservation models (Trifunović, 2024), the paper argues that VR enables both cognitive and emotional memory work—bridging tangible and intangible heritage. These findings suggest VR redefines representation and authenticity in cultural contexts. This theoretical lens invites heritage professionals to reassess legacy approaches in light of emerging digital paradigms. Future research should examine how AI simulations and blockchain verification might support ethical standards, cultural fidelity, and equitable access. Yet these developments must be weighed against persistent issues like digital inequality, sustainability, and cultural commodification.

References

1. Dayoub, B., Yang, P., Omran, S., Zhang, Q., & Dayoub, A. (2024). Digital Silk Roads: Leveraging the Metaverse for Cultural Tourism within the Belt and Road Initiative Framework. Electronics, 13(12), 2306. https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9292/13/12/2306
2. Dimara, A., Psarros, D., & Vrochidis, A. (2024). Mixed Reality and 3D Modelling Role in Cultural Heritage Preservation as a Pathway to Sustainable Heritage and Management. In International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Cultural Heritage. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-63227-3_29
3. Inkuer, A., & Yang, Y. (2024). Digital Strategies for Preserving Yi ChengZi Ancient Villages: Theoretical Frameworks and Methodologies. Pakistan Journal of Life and Social Sciences, 2, 2641-2654. https://www.pjlss.edu.pk/pdf_files/2024_2/2641-2654.pdf
4. Makris, D. (2024). Towards a Dialogic Perpetuation of Cultural Heritage. 7th Symposium of the Hellenic Society for the Study of Cultural Heritage. https://library.oapen.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.12657/93375/1/external_content.pdf
5. Srdanović, P., Skala, T., & Maričević, M. (2024). InHeritage—A Gamified Mobile Application with AR and VR for Cultural Heritage Preservation in the Metaverse. Applied Sciences, 15(1), 257. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/1/257
6. Trifunović, B. (2024). Going Beyond Digital Preservation: Theoretical and Practical Perspectives. Preservation, Digital Technology & Culture. https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/pdtc-2024-2001/html
7. Yan, Y. (2024). Application of Motion Capture Technology in Ethnic Costume Cultural and Creative Products: Taking Guangxi Zhuang Ethnic Culture as an Example. International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-60904-6_11