Schools could start taking digital visits to the museum

SCHOOL trips to museums could take place without students ever leaving the classroom, according to a governmentbacked research body that believes visits may start to be streamed.

The Arts and Humanities Research Council is examining ways to rebuild the cultural sector following the pandemic, taking inspiration from the world of video games to make museum jaunts possible and profitable.

Students could find themselves taking school “trips” to museums and galleries using digital technology to peruse displays, while remaining in the classroom to keep excursions cheap, green and safe.

The lockdown has slashed the income of many museums, and tourist numbers are likely to remain low as safety concerns continue. The council has suggested that teachers wary of exposing their students to danger could mitigate risks with virtual tours.

It also hopes digital technology can be harnessed to help rebuild the sector, with extra income raised from online sidelines like new-look school trips.

Andrew Thompson, the council’s deputy chairman, said: “You could see curated and bespoke talks in galleries and museums for parties of school children being a hell of a lot cheaper than transporting 20, 30, 40, 50 kids.

“It’s safer in the meantime, and more ecologically friendly and perhaps not intrinsically less satisfying.”

Mr Thompson said gaming as a spectator activity has learned to make online content pay, and museums and other institutions could see a “blurring of the boundaries between cultural forms” as computer games begin to influence and help the sector.