Exploring the evolution of contemporary museum interactions through convergence with technology with an emphasis on new contemporary arts

Contemporary museums, as dynamic spaces for preserving and presenting art, are increasingly integrating emerging technologies to enhance visitor experiences and redefined their role in society. This convergence necessitates a comprehensive examination of how digital innovations influence museum practices and the evolution of contemporary art. The present study aims to analyze the nature and manner in which emerging technologies—including robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Artificial Intelligence (AI)—impact museum interactions and transform contemporary art exhibition and interpretation. The research adopts an applied-developmental objective with a descriptive-analytical nature, employing a qualitative approach and content analysis strategy. Data collection is based on library studies and systematic literature review of scientific articles, specialized books, museum reports, conference proceedings, and reputable databases. The research addresses three main questions: First, how have these technologies impacted the methods of exhibiting and interpreting contemporary art in museums? Second, how has the convergence of technology and art transformed the audience's role in the artistic experience? Third, what are the applications, benefits, and challenges of each mentioned technology in contemporary museums? The findings reveal that the integration of these technologies has generated significant transformations across several domains. In the realm of audience interaction, technologies enable personalized experiences and increase engagement through interactive installations and adaptive content delivery. Regarding artwork preservation, intelligent monitoring systems utilizing IoT sensors continuously track environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and light exposure, preventing damage and protecting collections from biological threats including insects, fungi, and chemical agents. Security systems based on IoT and AI protect museum assets against theft and damage while providing immediate warnings for suspicious activities and natural disasters such as earthquakes and storms. In the domain of learning and education, emerging technologies facilitate experiential, situated, and multimedia learning approaches that transcend traditional didactic methods. Visitors can engage with artworks through immersive VR environments, access supplementary information via AR overlays, and participate in interactive educational programs. Global accessibility and inclusivity have been enhanced through remote visitation capabilities, enabling audiences worldwide to experience museum collections regardless of geographical limitations. Also, a comparative study of technologies shows that artificial intelligence is the only technology that has an active presence in all areas of museology (interaction with the audience, preservation of works, learning, access, creativity) and in all branches of new contemporary arts (from performance art to self-destructive art). Furthermore, in the realm of creative innovation, these technologies enable the generation of new artworks and the virtual reconstruction of damaged or destroyed pieces, exemplified by the concept of reconstructing auto-destructive art through virtual reality. The study concludes that the strategic integration of digital technologies in contemporary museums not only enhances visitor experiences but also redefines the fundamental role of museums as dynamic, inclusive, and influential spaces in society. By embracing these technological transformations, museums can strengthen their position as cultural mediators, educational platforms, and innovative spaces for artistic expression. This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on art-technology convergence and provides practical insights for museum professionals, policymakers, and researchers seeking to navigate the digital transformation of cultural institutions.