Anticipating Museum Studies and Policies in the Era of Artificial Intelligence: Celebrating International Museum Day at Alexandria's Greco-Roman Museum

Anticipating Museum Studies and Policies in the Era of Artificial Intelligence: Celebrating International Museum Day at Alexandria's Greco-Roman Museum

On June 29^th, the UNESCO Regional Office for Egypt and Sudan, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities (MoTA) and the International Council of Museums (ICOM), celebrated International Museum Day (IMD) at the Greco-Roman Museum in Alexandria. This event underscored the museum's significance as a hub for education research, and innovation and technology. Thus, it also explores the crucial role AI plays in the present and future of museums:

Dr. Nuria Sanz, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office, highlighted the organization's dedication to the ethical use of AI, particularly in the context of cultural heritage. She stated, "UNESCO recognizes the immense potential of AI in safeguarding and promoting cultural heritage in museums. We should discuss on how to adapt the skills of the professional of museums to new AI practices and methodologies and we need a permanent forum of technical discussion on policy and practices in full alignment with the national digital government strategies and we need to associate young professionals and PhD students to our current consultation process on AI".

She referred to the Recommendation of UNESCO on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence and linked it to the Mondiacult UNESCO declaration on cultural policies

Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA), emphasized the significance of SCA as a scientific institution dedicated to advancing research in Egypt and harnessing the full potential of technology. He stated, "The Supreme Council of Antiquities is committed to fostering scientific discovery and promoting the utilization of cutting-edge technology in our research processes. By embracing AI and other innovative tools, we aim to maximize the benefits of technology in preserving and showcasing Egypt's rich cultural heritage to the world."

A key feature of the celebration was the panel discussion on "Museums, Research, and Artificial Intelligence." Experts delved into how AI is revolutionizing the museum experience, enhancing visitor engagement, improving accessibility, and streamlining operations. AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants are already providing personalized information, while AI algorithms analyze vast collections to recommend relevant artworks and artifacts to visitors based on their interests.

The UNESCO panel delved into the ethical use of AI, particularly in cultural heritage. Its efforts include developing global policy frameworks, such as the Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, which emphasizes transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness. UNESCO explores AI's potential in preserving and promoting cultural heritage by digitizing and restoring artifacts and analyzing historical data. The organization supports educational initiatives to improve AI literacy and collaborates with international bodies to create culturally sensitive and ethically sound AI solutions.

Experts from the museum field, educational institutions, and research organizations namely the Supreme Council of Antiquities, The Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport (AASTMT), Bibliotique Alexandrina (BIBALEX) the American University in Cairo (AUC), Egypt University of Informatics (EUI), Damnhour University discussed the practical applications of AI in museums. Topics of discussion included:

• Enhancing Visitor Experiences: AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants that provide personalized information, answer queries, and guide visitors through exhibitions.
• Content Curation: AI algorithms that analyze vast collections to recommend relevant artworks, artifacts, or exhibits to visitors based on their interests.
• Art Restoration: AI-assisted restoration techniques that analyze patterns, colors, and textures to restore damaged artworks.
• Predictive Analytics: AI models that predict visitor footfall, optimize exhibition layouts, and aid in marketing strategies.
• Digitization and Archiving: AI automation of digitization processes, making historical records and artifacts accessible online.

The panel discussion will also shed light on AI initiatives related to museums in Egypt which allowed researchers to explore ancient Egyptian objects online. Additionally, the collaboration between the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport and RobotLab has established the first artificial intelligence lab in the MENA region, fostering innovation and research in AI technologies.

By exploring these topics, the panel aims to generate actionable recommendations for integrating AI into educational systems, research initiatives, and the overall museum landscape. It also seeks to raise awareness of the potential of AI in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).

Throughout the day, participants engaged in dynamic discussions on various topics, including the ethical considerations of AI in museums, the role of AI in art restoration, and the future of AI in cultural preservation. These discussions aimed to promote dialogue and collaboration among museums, educational institutions, and research organizations.

The event was a significant step towards integrating AI into museum practices while adhering to the ethical guidelines set forth by UNESCO. As the world embraces new technologies, museums like the Greco Roman Museum continue to be at the heart of cultural education and innovation, ensuring that they remain relevant and accessible to future generations.