The future of museums through the lens of projection

LED versus projection? Or are virtual reality goggles really the future? It’s an ongoing debate in the themed venues industry. Sometimes you’ll even hear the rumor that projection technology is becoming obsolete. But our survey data and industry trends tell another story.

It’s clear that when exhibition designers want to create visuals with an impact, they clearly prefer projection. We see 23% of the survey participants listing projection as their preferred technology for permanent collections and temporary exhibits, only preceded by flat display panels (FDP) as the primary choice. Only 5.2% opt for LED displays.

A changing landscape

Of course, projection has evolved a lot since its first appearance in museum spaces some twenty years ago. Concerns about ambient light interfering with projection quality are worries of the past. Museums are increasingly mixing up dark and brighter spaces. Additionally, the advent of laser technology has revolutionized video projection, offering enhanced brightness and clarity even in the portfolio entry models – look at the Barco G-series, for example. This explains why projection still provides the most effective and affordable way of reproducing a vibrant image on museum walls.

The strengths of projection

And there are many more benefits that projection can offer. In our survey, projectors are highly rated and valued for their cinematic feel and the ability to cover large surfaces, making them ideal for dynamic and immersive exhibits. When asked to reflect on a recent project, 31.8% of the participants claim that the main reason to choose projection is that it’s an affordable way for creating a large image.

The relevance of projection beyond 2025

Projection technology will continue to be a relevant component in museum visualization strategies, with over 80% of respondents indicating that they will continue to utilize it in the next three years. 

Furthermore, 46% of museum professionals plan to invest in additional projection equipment, highlighting a commitment to expanding their use of this technology. This strong endorsement underscores the enduring relevance and adaptability of projection systems in creating engaging and immersive exhibits.

Conclusion

Projection is a keeper. It’s clear that there’s strong ongoing support for projection, with many museum professionals planning to maintain or increase their use of this versatile tool. As museums evolve, projection will remain key in creating engaging and dynamic exhibits.