Digital Museum: An Assembly Guide

A New Go-To Guide for Cultural Institutions

Digital transformation in Russia’s cultural sector now extends well beyond major metropolitan institutions to include small regional museums and galleries. Successful grassroots case studies are becoming more common, as is interest in replicating them. Yet despite the creative potential of museum staff, it is often unclear where to begin, leaving many organizations stuck with legacy workflows. To prevent this kind of stall, a dedicated guide was created, consolidating the 2025 digitalization experience of the “Museums of the Russian North” program.

The publication features recommendations from experts in digital communications, AI, and cybersecurity, including Yuri Kalashnikov, head of the Design Bureau for Business Solutions, Olga Lukinova, author of the Telegram channel “Digital Etiquette,” and specialists from the IT firm Mobius Technologies.

Practical Prompts and Real-World Cases

Across ten sections, the guide presents digital tools and services spanning key areas of museum work – from neural networks and creative production to social media management, online events, and project coordination. Alongside core topics, the authors also address cybersecurity and digital etiquette.

The starting point for learning is a simple realization: modern technologies permeate everyday life, and any organization – including cultural institutions – now operates simultaneously in physical and digital spaces. The authors encourage active use of AI for routine tasks, from generating new project ideas to online promotion. The guide includes examples of straightforward prompts that can be put to use immediately.

Using digital solutions in day-to-day operations significantly reduces the time museum staff spend on routine tasks and creates space for research, methodological, and creative work. For example, our museum introduced an electronic timekeeping system that improves discipline while allowing flexibility in scheduling – both for individual employees and for the institution as a whole

Natalia Kirshina

Head of the Semenkovo Museum

Benefits for Visitors

Written in clear, accessible language, the guide plays a catalytic role despite its simplicity. It is designed to help museums that postponed digitalization while waiting for the “right moment” finally move forward. By lowering barriers to entry, the collection boosts digital literacy and simplifies the integration of AI tools into daily workflows. It lays the groundwork for stronger staff competencies and more consistent use of modern digital instruments in museum practice.

Visitors stand to benefit as well – museums become more accessible and interactive. Engaging with institutions via social platforms becomes easier, participation in cultural initiatives more seamless, and opportunities to propose ideas more visible.

Beyond Museums

As even small regional museums have begun digitizing collections, launching virtual tours, and releasing their own apps, the remaining institutions face growing pressure to catch up. The “Digital Tools for Museums” guide gives them an advantage by compiling proven cases and practical instruction. With this theoretical foundation, making the leap into digital operations becomes far more achievable.

The collection represents a timely, practice-oriented step toward standardizing digital approaches across Russia’s museum sector. It reflects the current phase of cultural digital transformation – from basic social media skills to advanced technologies and information security.

The book will be useful not only to museum professionals but also to anyone interested in applying new technologies to improve efficiency, regardless of their field.