2023 AAM Annual Meeting & MuseumExpo Program

Mixed reality is an exciting emerging platform capable of dynamic storytelling, but its implementation is often antithetical to the museum experience. In 2021, the Cleveland Museum of Art (CMA) opened Revealing Krishna, incorporating a mixed reality experience into the center of a scholarly exhibition communicating complex stories of provenance, conservation, and international collaboration. Though successful – garnering the all-time highest experience rating of any CMA exhibition - the CMA team will share learnings, outcomes, and what we would have done differently, providing a detailed roadmap for seamless incorporation of a mixed-reality experience. This presentation will touch on every aspect of the production process, from concepting and design through implementation and management, with a focus on CMA's partnership with Prime Access Consulting (PAC) around how museums can and should integrate inclusive design and accessibility considerations at each step, and what future experiences should consider to produce a welcoming experience for the widest possible audience.