Recontextualizing the Collection: Virtual Reconstruction, Replacement, and Repatriation

This paper addresses the evolution of the technologies of virtual representation in the cultural milieu. Using IBM project case studies from a decade of experience in this field, the paper brings to the fore the ways in which these technologies both reify and challenge traditional ideas of what a museum is or should be. The paper examines the evolution of simple virtual representation (exemplified by the Hermitage Museum project) to modeled reconstruction and deconstruction (exemplified by the Digital Pietà project) and thence to virtual replacement of artifacts in situ at their point of creation or discovery (exemplified by the Eternal Egypt project). The paper concludes with a look forward to the concept of virtual repatriation between countries and inter-organizational 'sharing' of artifacts between museums.