Museum needs curious minds to explore VR and AR

To mark International Museum Day on May 18, the Fish Hoek Valley Museum is embracing digital innovation — and calling on volunteers to help make it happen.

This year’s theme, “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities,” focuses on how museums can adapt and stay relevant in a changing world.

The Fish Hoek Valley Museum is doing just that — and they’re asking for help.

With the support of Global Digital Heritage Afrika (GDHA), the museum has started creating digital 3D models of its artefacts.

The GDHA team visited the museum last year and captured about 50 objects in high detail using high-tech laser scanners from the USA. They also visited the historic Peers Cave to create a 3D site scan.

These digital models will allow people to explore the museum and its artefacts online. Plans are also underway for a virtual tour of Peers Cave — an important heritage site in the Cape Peninsula that’s been used by humans for over 150 000 years and features rare rock art.

Museum curator Sue Maude said they now need volunteers to help test these digital tools.

“This International Museum Day, help us inspire the future of our communities by bringing the past to life with digital technology,” said Ms Maude. “We are a small museum run by volunteers, so we’re calling on the community to assist.”

The museum is looking for volunteers of all ages to test the new digital features, including virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) tools. No experience is needed — just curiosity and a willingness to explore. Volunteers will give feedback on how user-friendly and educational the tools are, and suggest improvements.

Anyone interested in volunteering can email curator.fishhoekvalleymuseum@gmail.com or WhatsApp 062 576 6166 to sign up.

The Fish Hoek Valley Museum is open from Tuesday to Friday, 9.30am to noon.