Augmented reality and the museums of a cultural city : can augmented reality be used to increase the accessibility and visibility of Valletta's museums?

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to devise a strategy aimed towards increasing the accessibility and visibility, and consequently the attendance rates, of Valletta's museums and cultural institutions following the Maltese capital city's election as the European Capital of Culture for the year 2018 using Augmented Reality (AR). Given the nature of the event, creating a cultural infrastructure within Valletta itself with the help of its museums and cultural institutions is of paramount importance towards its success. Via qualitative statements made by respondents to the Museum Visitor Motivation questionnaire, the study explores both the interests and motivations associated with leisure criteria belonging to nearly 100 interviewees from various different demographics, and the general public's attitudes towards local museums and other cultural institutions.