Towards human-centric AI in museums: practitioners’ perspectives and technology acceptance of visitor-centered AI for value (co-)creation

Abstract

The article investigates the integration of visitor-centered artificial intelligence in museums, examining current attitudes of museum experts towards AI and its potential impacts on museum practices. Through this exploration, the article identifies and develops foundational principles that should underpin the application of visitor-focused AI in museums. It introduces the Human-Centric AI Governance Model for Museums (HC-AIM) as a framework addressing the dimensions of visitor-centered design, preservation of curatorial vision and museum identity, ethical AI governance, the supportive and complementary role of AI in human efforts, the necessity of human oversight and control, and the museum’s role in fostering discourse on AI.