Cultural Preservation Through Immersive Technology: The Metaverse as a Pathway to the Past

1 Introduction

In a rapidly evolving world characterized by globalization, technological advancement, and cultural exchange, the preservation of cultural heritage stands as a crucial endeavour. Cultural preservation encompasses the safeguarding of traditions, customs, artefacts, languages, and practices that define the identity and history of communities across the globe. In essence, cultural heritage encompasses the traditions, customs, artefacts, and practices that define a community’s identity and history. Nonetheless, the invaluable elements of human civilization face constant threats posed by urbanization, environmental degradation, and socio-political conflicts (Laguna-Palma, Toscano, and Rodríguez-Rellán 2024). Traditional approaches to cultural preservation have primarily relied on physical conservation methods like museum displays, archaeological digs, and historical records (Furferi et al. 2024). However, in today’s world, the significance of safeguarding cultural heritage cannot be emphasized enough. With rapid societal transformations and the accelerated homogenization brought about by globalization, the preservation of distinctive cultural identities becomes ever more pressing (Nawaz 2023).

In this particular context, the emergence of immersive technologies like virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and the metaverse have brought about a significant transformation in how we engage with digital content (Oladokun, Enakrire, and Ajani 2023a). These technologies provide captivating and interactive experiences that go beyond the limitations of physical space and time. Over the past few years, VR and AR applications have found increasing use in various fields such as education, entertainment, healthcare, and training (Al-Ansi et al. 2023). Additionally, the concept of the metaverse, which refers to a shared virtual space, is gaining popularity as a platform that can revolutionize social interaction, commerce, and creativity. The metaverse holds great potential for preserving and exploring cultures (Silva et al. 2023). By combining VR, AR, social networking, and artificial intelligence, the metaverse can faithfully recreate and simulate diverse cultural environments. Paulauskas et al. (2023) noted that users can navigate virtual representations of historical sites, monuments, artworks, and rituals, allowing them to experience these elements in ways that surpass physical limitations.

Furthermore, the metaverse promotes collaborative engagement, empowering communities to actively contribute to the protection and interpretation of their cultural heritage (Mutibwa 2024). In light of these considerations, immersive cultural preservation offers several advantages over conventional approaches. Zen, Nour, and Nurhaqeem (2023) observed that immersive technology enhances accessibility by overcoming geographical, financial, and physical barriers that hinder people from experiencing cultural heritage sites and artefacts. Individuals from diverse backgrounds can engage with cultural content regardless of their location or socioeconomic status. Hutson and Hutson (2024a, 2024b) additionally emphasized that immersive technologies facilitate dynamic storytelling and interactive experiences, fostering deeper engagement and comprehension of cultural heritage. Users can actively participate in historical narratives, exploring different perspectives and contexts. Immersive cultural preservation also supports long-term sustainability by digitizing and archiving cultural assets, ensuring their preservation for future generations (Ariza-Colpas et al. 2024). Consequently, there are legitimate concerns regarding the metaverse’s potential to revolutionize cultural preservation, enabling users to navigate virtual representations of historical sites, monuments, artworks, and rituals with unparalleled accuracy and interactivity. In light of this, this exploration seeks to explore how the metaverse can serve as a gateway to the past for cultural preservation.

2 Need for Preservation of Cultural Heritage

Cultural heritage represents the expression of human ingenuity, customs, and identity that has been transmitted across generations. According to Lyu (2022), it encompasses both tangible aspects, including monuments, artworks, and archaeological sites, as well as intangible elements such as languages, customs, and rituals. The preservation of cultural heritage is essential for maintaining a sense of identity, fostering social cohesion, and enriching the collective human experience. However, this noble endeavour is not without its challenges. Traditional methods of cultural preservation, while valuable, often face limitations in accessibility, scalability, and sustainability (Nocca 2017). Cultural heritage represents the tangible and intangible remnants of human civilization that reflect our shared history, values, and identity [Citation needed]. It encompasses a wide range of artefacts, traditions, practices, and expressions that have been passed down from one generation to the next (Zhang et al. 2022). From ancient monuments like the Pyramids of Giza to intangible cultural practices like traditional folk music, cultural heritage embodies the richness and diversity of human creativity and ingenuity.

The importance of cultural heritage goes beyond mere historical interest. According to Longo and Faraci (2023), cultural heritage is instrumental in shaping both individual and collective identities, providing a sense of belonging and continuity to communities worldwide. It serves as a valuable repository of knowledge, wisdom, and artistic expression, offering valuable insights into the beliefs, values, and aspirations of past societies. Additionally, cultural heritage promotes cross-cultural understanding and appreciation, fostering dialogue and mutual respect among diverse communities, as emphasized by Bertolin (2019). In a rapidly changing world characterized by globalization and cultural homogenization, the preservation of cultural heritage becomes increasingly vital as a means of safeguarding the unique identities and voices of marginalized communities.

Throughout history, cultural preservation has relied on conventional methods to safeguard and honour our cultural heritage for future generations. These methods encompass diverse approaches, as outlined by Bertolin (2019). Conservation and restoration techniques play a crucial role in protecting tangible artefacts like buildings, artworks, and archaeological sites from decay, vandalism, and natural disasters. Documentation and archiving practices involve recording cultural heritage through written accounts, photographs, drawings, and digital scans, creating comprehensive inventories and archives for research and reference purposes. Museums and cultural institutions curate exhibitions and displays to showcase cultural artefacts, educating the public about their historical significance and cultural context. Additionally, governments enact cultural policies and legislation to prevent the destruction, exploitation, and commercialization of cultural heritage sites, monuments, and traditions (Jagielska-Burduk, Pszczyński, and Stec 2021). Although traditional methods of cultural preservation have made significant contributions to safeguarding cultural heritage, they do face limitations, as identified by Lovtsova, Burovkina, and Sheshko (2021).

Accessibility remains a challenge, as physical conservation efforts often restrict public access to cultural heritage sites and artefacts, particularly for marginalized communities, thereby limiting their engagement and participation. The scalability of traditional preservation methods presents another obstacle, as they can be time-consuming, labour-intensive, and costly, making it difficult to expand preservation efforts to encompass the vast array of cultural heritage worldwide (Allam et al. 2022). Furthermore, conservation initiatives must address ongoing threats posed by environmental degradation, urbanization, climate change, and socio-political conflicts, all of which undermine the long-term sustainability of cultural preservation endeavours. Broesch et al. (2020) emphasized that cultural sensitivity is also crucial, as preservation efforts must navigate complex ethical and cultural considerations related to ownership, representation, and interpretation. It is therefore essential to ensure that cultural heritage is respected and preserved in a manner that aligns with the values and beliefs of the communities involved. Benedik and Gruber (2024) stressed that the preservation of cultural heritage is a complex and continuous undertaking that necessitates the application of innovative strategies and collaborative endeavours to tackle its inherent challenges. Although traditional preservation methods have been instrumental in protecting cultural heritage, there is a need to supplement them with novel technologies, methodologies, and partnerships to improve accessibility, scalability, and sustainability.

3 The Rise of Immersive Technology

In recent times, there has been a significant rise in immersive technologies, which have transformed the way we engage with digital content and perceive our surroundings. According to Ajani et al. (2023), these technologies, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and the concept of the metaverse, provide interactive and dynamic experiences that blur the lines between the physical and digital realms. Immersive technologies encompass a wide range of digital tools and platforms designed to create virtual environments and enhance users’ perception of reality (Oladokun, Yahaya, and Enakrire 2023b). Virtual reality (VR) offers a fully artificial environment that users can explore and interact with through head-mounted displays and motion-tracking technology, providing a complete immersive experience. On the other hand, augmented reality (AR) overlays digital content in the real world, enriching the user’s perception of their surroundings by integrating virtual elements into the physical environment (Dincelli and Yayla 2022). These technologies have found applications in various fields, including entertainment, education, healthcare, training, and marketing, offering innovative solutions for communication, simulation, and visualization.

Moving forward, immersive technology has brought about a revolution across various industries and sectors, introducing new avenues for creativity, engagement, and innovation. In the realm of entertainment, VR and AR have profoundly transformed the way we consume media and entertainment content (Ajani, Ahmed, and Muhammed 2024). They have facilitated immersive gaming experiences, interactive storytelling, and virtual concerts and events. In the field of education, immersive technologies have opened up possibilities for immersive learning experiences, allowing students to explore virtual environments, conduct experiments, and engage with complex concepts through hands-on activities (Hutson and Hutson 2024a, 2024b). Healthcare has also benefited from VR and AR, which are utilized for medical training, patient therapy, and surgical simulation, providing healthcare professionals with realistic and immersive training environments. Additionally, immersive technology has found applications in architecture, engineering, design, and manufacturing, enabling virtual prototyping, 3D modelling, and collaborative design processes (Allam et al. 2022). The potential of immersive technology to revolutionize human interaction and experience is vast, with new applications and innovations continuously emerging across various fields.

One prominent concept within the realm of immersive technology is the metaverse, a collective virtual shared space that encompasses virtual worlds, augmented realities, and interconnected digital environments. As highlighted by Ajani et al. (2023), the metaverse represents the convergence of VR, AR, social networking, and artificial intelligence, providing a dynamic and interactive environment for social interaction, commerce, and creativity. Within the metaverse, users can create, explore, and interact with digital content and each other in real-time, blurring the boundaries between physical and digital realities (Nevelsteen 2018). With the increasing prominence of virtual reality platforms, social media networks, and online gaming communities, the concept of the metaverse is becoming tangibly closer, paving the way for new forms of social interaction, virtual economies, and digital experiences (Quintana, Salvadó-Romero, and Pérez-Pamies 2022).

4 The Metaverse as a Cultural Gateway

In our increasingly digital society, the metaverse has emerged as a groundbreaking platform that revolutionizes how we preserve, explore, and engage with cultural heritage. Wu et al. (2022) define the metaverse as a shared virtual space that blurs the lines between the physical and digital realms, offering unprecedented possibilities for safeguarding and celebrating our cultural legacy. Cultural preservation plays a vital role in the continuity of human civilization, ensuring the transmission of traditions, customs, and artefacts to future generations. Alkhatib et al. (2023) noted that the metaverse presents a remarkable opportunity to preserve and delve into cultural heritage using innovative and immersive approaches. By navigating virtual renditions of historical sites, monuments, artworks, and rituals, users can experience them in ways that surpass the limitations of physical space and time. Going further, the metaverse encompasses a wide range of features and capabilities that make it an ideal platform for cultural preservation and exploration (Hutson and Ratican 2023).

Prominent scholars, including Hutson and Ratican (2023), Martins, Oliveira, and Amaro (2022), and George et al. (2021), have examined the significant characteristics of the metaverse concerning cultural exploration. These features involve the creation of immersive and dynamic environments that accurately replicate real-world locations and cultural artefacts, resulting in a realistic and captivating experience for users. Additionally, the metaverse facilitates real-time connectivity and interaction, enabling collaboration, dialogue, and the exchange of cultural perspectives across geographical and cultural boundaries (Dwivedi et al. 2022). A key advantage of the metaverse is its capacity for user customization and sharing, empowering communities to express and celebrate their distinct cultural identities within the virtual realm. Moreover, Othman et al. (2024) emphasized that the metaverse prioritizes digital accessibility to ensure that individuals with disabilities can fully engage in immersive cultural experiences, fostering inclusivity and diversity. Another important aspect is the metaverse’s role in digitizing and archiving cultural assets, preserving them for future generations and facilitating ongoing research and exploration (Gao and Braud 2023).

To illustrate the potential of the metaverse for immersive cultural experiences, scholars like Unali, Caffio, and Zollo (2023) and Mahardika et al. (2023) have presented compelling examples. These include the creation of virtual museums and galleries by cultural institutions, where users can explore and learn about diverse heritages through showcased artefacts, artworks, and exhibitions. Virtual reality platforms also host cultural festivals and events that celebrate traditions, music, dance, and cuisine from various cultures, fostering a sense of shared experience and community (Csiszár 2016). Moulton (2022) further stated that the metaverse offers opportunities for historical reenactments and tours of significant cultural sites and events, allowing users to engage with history firsthand. Additionally, immersive language learning platforms and virtual storytelling experiences within the metaverse contribute to the preservation and promotion of endangered languages, folklore, and oral traditions, ensuring their survival and transmission to future generations (Chickanayakanahalli 2023). These insights demonstrate that the metaverse can serve as a cultural gateway, connecting the past, present, and future, and providing innovative solutions for preserving, exploring, and celebrating cultural heritage. However, as the metaverse continues to evolve, it is crucial to prioritize inclusivity, accessibility, and ethical considerations. By doing so, we can ensure that immersive cultural experiences within the metaverse are respectful, responsible, and enriching for all participants.

5 Benefits of Immersive Cultural Preservation

When it comes to preserving culture, immersive technologies like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) have emerged as powerful tools that can protect and celebrate our collective heritage. According to Dincelli and Yayla (2022), these technologies offer numerous advantages that go beyond traditional preservation methods, enhancing accessibility, engagement, and sustainability. One notable advantage of immersive cultural preservation is its ability to improve accessibility to cultural heritage sites and artifacts. Unlike traditional approaches that may limit access due to physical barriers or geographical limitations, immersive technologies enable people from all backgrounds to interact with cultural heritage regardless of their location. Through virtual replicas and immersive experiences, individuals can explore ancient ruins, historical landmarks, and museum exhibits from the comfort of their own homes, transcending the limitations of time and space. This inclusive approach ensures that cultural heritage remains accessible to a wider audience, including those with physical disabilities or limited resources.

As observed by Allam et al. (2022), immersive cultural preservation offers more than just passive observation; it provides opportunities for active engagement and experiential learning. Supporting this, Martins, Oliveira, and Amaro (2022) observe that immersive technologies foster deeper connections and understanding of cultural heritage. Users can explore historical contexts, interact with artefacts, and even participate in virtual reenactments, gaining insights and perspectives that traditional methods cannot replicate. This heightened engagement sparks curiosity, empathy, and appreciation for diverse cultures, enhancing cross-cultural understanding and dialogue. Furthermore, immersive experiences cater to different learning styles and preferences which further make cultural education more engaging and accessible to diverse audiences (Montagud, Orero, and Matamala 2020). Another significant benefit of immersive cultural preservation is its potential to ensure the long-term sustainability of cultural heritage assets. Traditional methods of conservation often face challenges such as environmental degradation, urbanization, and natural disasters, putting cultural sites and artefacts at risk of irreversible damage or loss.

Immersive technologies offer a solution by digitizing and archiving cultural assets which create virtual replicas that can be preserved and accessed indefinitely. These digital archives serve as invaluable resources for research, education, and conservation efforts, ensuring that cultural heritage remains accessible and intact for future generations (Quintana, Salvadó-Romero, and Pérez-Pamies 2022). Moreover, by reducing the need for physical visits and handling of artefacts, immersive preservation helps mitigate the risk of wear and tear, vandalism, and theft, contributing to the overall sustainability of cultural heritage management. In addition to the foregoing benefits of metaverse to cultural preservation, Gaafar (2021) and Gonçalves et al. (2022) mention that immersive cultural preservation offers a range of other benefits, including:

1. Preservation of intangible cultural heritage through immersive technologies. Immersive technologies capture and preserve intangible aspects of culture such as oral traditions, rituals, and folklore that ensure their transmission to future generations.

2. Immersive cultural experiences drive tourism, stimulate economic growth, and create employment opportunities in cultural industries and creative sectors.

3. Immersive technologies empower communities to take ownership of their cultural heritage to preserve and share their stories, traditions, and identities on their terms.

6 Challenges Associated with Metaverse Technology for Cultural Preservation

The idea of the metaverse has sparked excitement as a potential avenue for cultural preservation, providing new and creative ways to protect and honor our shared heritage. However, the adoption of metaverse technologies comes with its own set of challenges that require thoughtful consideration to ensure responsible and ethical preservation practices. Cao, Qu, and Chen (2024) and Sandheinrich and Hutson (2023) indicate the various challenges associated with the use of metaverse technologies for cultural preservation, including technical limitations, ethical concerns, and issues related to privacy, data security, and digital rights management. Longo and Faraci (2023) reveal that one of the primary challenges associated with metaverse technology for cultural preservation is the technical limitations inherent in immersive experiences. These limitations include the hardware requirements for accessing virtual environments, such as VR headsets and high-performance computers, which may limit accessibility for individuals with limited resources or technical expertise.

Moreover, Gaafar (2021) adds that the technological infrastructure required to deliver immersive experiences including reliable internet connectivity and computing resources, may be lacking in remote or underserved areas, hindering widespread adoption and engagement. Also, ethical concerns surrounding cultural representation and ownership are another significant challenge when utilizing metaverse technology for cultural preservation. Immersive experiences strive for authenticity and accuracy in representing cultural heritage, while respecting the integrity and significance of artifacts, sites, and traditions (Zhang et al. 2022). However, there is a risk of cultural appropriation and misrepresentation if immersive experiences are not created in collaboration with relevant communities and stakeholders, with their informed consent. Moreover, Lyu (2022) mentions that the ownership and control of digital reproductions and virtual representations of cultural heritage assets raise complex legal and ethical questions regarding intellectual property rights and cultural sovereignty.

As indicated by Mahardika et al. (2023), privacy, data security, and digital rights management pose additional challenges in the use of metaverse technology for cultural preservation. Immersive experiences often collect and process personal data from users, raising concerns about privacy, consent, and data protection laws. Furthermore, the storage and transmission of sensitive cultural data, including 3D scans, images, and archival materials, require robust security measures to prevent unauthorized access, theft, or tampering. This is why Hutson and Hutson (2024a, 2024b) state that digital rights management is also a consideration, as the management of digital rights and permissions for cultural content requires clear policies and frameworks to ensure fair use, protection of intellectual property, and equitable access.

Immersive technologies, such as those found in the metaverse, hold great promise for cultural preservation. However, it is essential to acknowledge and address the challenges that accompany their use to ensure responsible and ethical practices. Despite these challenges, this advocacy recognizes the importance of leveraging the potential of immersive technology to protect and celebrate our shared heritage, ensuring its availability for future generations. This could happen by addressing ethical concerns and implementing robust privacy, data security, and digital rights management measures. In navigating these challenges, it is imperative that stakeholders, including technology developers, cultural institutions, communities, and policymakers, work together to develop guidelines, standards, and best practices that promote inclusivity, authenticity, and respect in the use of metaverse technologies for cultural preservation.

7 Conclusion

The exploration of cultural preservation through immersive technology, particularly the metaverse, illuminates the promising pathway to safeguarding our shared heritage for future generations. Throughout this paper, several key points have emerged, emphasizing both the potential and challenges inherent in this endeavour. The paper highlights the importance of cultural preservation in maintaining identity, fostering understanding, and promoting cross-cultural dialogue. Traditional methods of preservation have faced limitations in accessibility, scalability, and sustainability, underscoring the need for innovative approaches. As a result, it becomes evident that immersive technology offers unprecedented opportunities for engagement, exploration, and collaboration. The metaverse serves as a dynamic platform for connecting individuals with their heritage by recreating virtual environments, preserving intangible cultural practices, and facilitating cross-cultural interaction.

To actualize the transformative potential of immersive technology in preserving cultural heritage, stakeholders from technology developers and cultural institutions to communities and policymakers must work together to overcome technical limitations, navigate ethical concerns, and ensure responsible practices. However, it is crystal clear that immersive technology holds immense promise in shaping the future of cultural preservation. As advocated, we can harness the power of the metaverse to safeguard and celebrate our diverse cultural heritage for generations to come by embracing innovation, fostering collaboration, and promoting inclusivity. Hence the need to embark on this journey to preserve the past, enrich the present, and inspire the future through immersive technology becomes a matter of concern.

8 Future Directions

While prospecting the future of cultural preservation through immersive technology, it becomes clear that the metaverse will maintain a significant role in shaping how we interact with and protect our shared heritage. However, the evolution of this field will require ongoing innovation, collaboration, and adaptation to address emerging challenges and opportunities. Several key areas warrant attention to chart the course for the future of immersive cultural preservation:

1. The rapid pace of technological innovation promises to unlock new possibilities for immersive experiences in the metaverse. Future advancements in immersive technologies offer exciting possibilities for cultural preservation. Innovations such as haptic feedback and spatial computing, along with the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning, have the potential to enhance the realism, interactivity, and accessibility of virtual environments. These advancements enable cultural practitioners to create more immersive and captivating experiences that faithfully preserve cultural heritage. By leveraging these cutting-edge technologies, we can ensure that our shared heritage is safeguarded with unprecedented fidelity and engage audiences in new and exciting ways.

2. The digitization of cultural artefacts presents opportunities for the repatriation and revitalization of Indigenous knowledge and cultural practices. Moving forward, efforts to collaborate with Indigenous communities and respect their rights to self-determination will be paramount. While centring Indigenous voices and perspectives in the preservation process, one ensures that cultural heritage is safeguarded in a manner that aligns with the values, traditions, and aspirations of the communities it represents.

3. As immersive technology becomes increasingly ubiquitous, it is essential to prioritize inclusivity and accessibility in the design and implementation of virtual experiences. This entails addressing barriers to access, such as cost, technological literacy, and physical disabilities, to ensure that cultural heritage remains accessible to all. Moreover, efforts to promote diversity and representation in virtual environments will be critical to fostering cross-cultural understanding and empathy among global audiences.

4. The use of immersive technology in cultural preservation raises complex ethical questions regarding representation, ownership, and interpretation. Moving forward, it will be essential to develop ethical frameworks and guidelines that govern the responsible use of immersive technology in cultural contexts. This includes fostering dialogue, building trust, and engaging with diverse stakeholders to ensure that cultural heritage is respected and preserved in a manner that is sensitive to the needs and perspectives of all involved.