Harnessing Hologram Technologies for Museums: Practical Insights for 2025
At the 2025 American Alliance of Museums Annual Meeting & MuseumExpo in Los Angeles, Tracy Evans of Exhibitry delivered a technology presentation titled Harnessing Hologram Technologies for Museums: Practical Insights for 2025. The session offered museum professionals a comprehensive overview of the latest innovations in holographic display technologies — along with practical guidance on how to evaluate and implement these tools in cultural institutions, visitor centers, and branded corporate environments .
Cutting Through the Hype: What Counts as a “Hologram” Today?
The presentation opened by addressing a common point of confusion: what exactly qualifies as a hologram. For the purpose of the session, Evans defined a hologram not as a scientific artifact, but as a powerful illusion — a floating digital image that conceals its source and delivers visual impact. This working definition emphasized the role of holograms as tools for digital storytelling, allowing for a more inclusive evaluation of display technologies often marketed as holographic, even when they don’t meet the strict scientific criteria.
The Museum-Centric Rating Scale
To help museums navigate the expanding universe of holographic options, Evans introduced a five-point evaluation system:
Holographic Illusion
3D Depth
Image Resolution
Image Size
Engagement Potential
Each technology reviewed in the talk was scored using this system, offering attendees a side-by-side comparison of practicality, impact, and environmental suitability.
From Stagecraft to Spatial Computing
The session traced the evolution of holography from 19th-century stage illusions like Pepper’s Ghost, through the invention of laser-based holograms, and into today’s museum-ready digital systems. Key technologies covered included:
Projection-based holograms and mesh screens
Transparent displays (e.g., Holobox, HYPEBOX)
Reflective pyramids and hidden-glass tables
LED fan arrays
Direct-view displays like the HoloTube and Looking Glass
Each format was analyzed for strengths, weaknesses, and best-use scenarios within public-facing spaces like galleries, exhibits, and educational installations.
Emerging Technologies to Watch
Evans also highlighted experimental and early-stage technologies that could play a larger role in future exhibit design, including:
Volumetric spinning LED arrays that render visible 3D images in space
Touchless interactive displays that enable haptic-like digital interaction
AI-driven avatars and spatial computing interfaces for personalized engagement
While not yet widely deployable, these innovations hint at the next wave of experiential storytelling in museums.
About Exhibitry
With over 30 years of experience crafting immersive storytelling environments, Exhibitry brings together cutting-edge technology, interpretive design, and creative fabrication under one roof. The company specializes in translating complex ideas into interactive, memorable visitor experiences — and has become a trusted partner for museums, science centers, trade shows, and visitor attractions around the globe.
Want to Learn More?
Interested in bringing holographic or immersive tech to your own exhibit?
Visit www.exhibitry.com or contact us to start a conversation.