5Dculture

3D digitisation along with the use of AI and augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) technologies, is becoming increasingly important in the field of cultural heritage. The 5DCulture project supports this digital transformation in the context of the data space for cultural heritage, helping present more European cultural heritage sites in 3D and making this data widely available. These digital resources can then be reused in areas such as education, tourism, and the cultural and creative sectors. The project coordinator, Germany’s IN2 Digital Innovations GmbH, collaborated with eleven other European partners.

The project identified existing datasets within partner collections, enhanced their quality through advanced processing workflows, and aggregated them into the Data Space. Hundreds of 3D models were improved, enriched, and made available for public reuse, reaching new audiences and opening avenues for cross-sector collaboration. The project also deployed tools for the storage, presentation and visualisation of 3D content. Finally, the project developed eight reuse scenarios that brought 3D content to life in diverse and impactful ways:

• 5Dculture redefined the way fashion heritage is experienced in museums. By incorporating 3D and AR/VR technologies, the project bridges digital space and physical museum visits. An exhibition showcased 3D models of historical costumes from various cultural collections, allowing visitors to virtually bring these garments to life using social VR technologies. Another exhibition allowed visitors to virtually try-on historical hats that were on display using AR.
• The project also examined how archaeological 3D content enhances visitor experiences and what added value it brings to sectors such as education, tourism, gaming, art, and heritage conservation. For instance, the quality of 3D representations of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Brú na Bóinne in Ireland was improved, with several use cases developed for optimal utilization of this resource. Iberian heritage was used for education with a special focus on the use of 3D prints and audio description by visually impaired people.
• Through interactive 3D models of a cityscape and multi-temporal (4D) city modeling, the project supports the development of virtual cultural tourism, education, and research. For example, at the COSMO Exhibition in the center of Dresden, visitors were fascinated by the 4D reconstruction of their city. Another highlight was the low-cost holographic postcards that were tested by tourists in Slovenia.

To ensure the long-term impact of its work, 5Dculture focused on equipping cultural heritage institutions with the skills, tools, and resources to manage and reuse 3D content effectively. These are available on the 5Dculture community of practice for 3D practitioners.