In the context of strong digital transformation taking place globally, the application of 3D technology in museum activities is opening a new direction, modernizing the work of preserving and promoting the value of cultural heritage. The Vietnam National Museum of History, as a pioneer in this field, has applied 3D technology to exhibition and educational activities, creating breakthrough changes in the public's approach to the treasure trove of national cultural heritage.
Applying technology in museums is an inevitable trend to preserve and promote heritage in the digital age. In reality, traditional museums often face limitations in introducing heritage to the public due to space and display time. Artifacts lying quietly behind glass, although having great historical and cultural value, are difficult to reach the deep interest of the younger generation. 3D technology has emerged as a solution to this problem, creating an effective bridge between heritage and the public.
3D virtual exhibition on "Vietnamese Buddhist Cultural Heritage". Photo: Collected
At the National Museum of History, 3D technology has been applied since 2013, with exhibition topics such as "Vietnamese Buddhist Cultural Heritage" or "Vietnamese Mascots". These are the first experimental steps, opening the journey of digitizing heritage with great potential for development. Over time, topics such as "Prehistoric Vietnam", "Dong Son Culture", "Ngo - Dinh - Tien Le - Ly - Tran Dynasties" have been deployed on digital platforms, bringing diverse and flexible access to all classes of the public.
In particular, since 2020, the museum has upgraded its technology application with a 3D interactive exhibition on "National Treasures". This is considered a major turning point, not only helping to preserve documents for a long time but also bringing a realistic and vivid experience to viewers. Through the online platform, treasures such as the Ngoc Lu Bronze Drum, the Viet Khe Boat Tomb or the work "Duong Kach Menh" are all recreated in detail, allowing the public to explore from every angle. The 3D interactive feature makes a difference when viewers can "touch" every pattern line, every smallest detail, thereby understanding more deeply the value of each artifact. 
The deployment of 3D technology at the museum does not stop at serving the purpose of serving visitors but also contributes significantly to educational and research activities. Students have the opportunity to learn history through online applications in a vivid and easy-to-understand way. At the same time, researchers are effectively supported by the ability to access detailed and multi-dimensional information about each artifact. Digital technology has created a big plus when turning dry historical documents into attractive and accessible stories.
On the other hand, the application of digital technology in museums also expands opportunities to connect with international audiences. According to statistics, the "National Treasures" theme has attracted tens of thousands of visits from countries such as the US, France, Japan and South Korea. On average, each visit lasts nearly three minutes, showing the appeal and usefulness of this virtual exhibition platform. This is a clear demonstration of the effectiveness of technology in bringing Vietnamese heritage to the world.
However, to apply technology effectively, investing in content is a prerequisite. In addition to historical and cultural values, the aesthetic factor of the artifact also plays an important role in attracting the public. Paper-based artifacts, although having great content value, need to be carefully processed when transferred to a 3D environment to maintain their liveliness and avoid causing boredom. Therefore, museums must consider choosing the appropriate technology, ensuring that they both honor the value of heritage and meet modern viewing needs.
The National Museum of History’s journey to digitize heritage is a testament to the harmonious combination of tradition and modernity. Technology is not only a supporting tool but also a bridge to help heritage continue to live in the hearts of the public. In the future, the museum plans to expand virtual displays of other rare collections of artifacts, and invest in new interactive platforms to attract more attention from both inside and outside the country.
The application of 3D technology at the National Museum of History marks a new step forward in the work of preserving and promoting heritage, while contributing to bringing Vietnamese history and culture closer to the world, creating lasting values for today and tomorrow.
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