From house museum to virtual reality: memory, space, and material culture study in Sir John Soane’s Museum

The relevance of the study was determined by the need to reevaluate traditional approaches to working with historical spaces and artefacts in the context of the digital transformation of museums. The aim of the study was to explore the complex interplay between personal character, architectural expression, and digital representation at Sir John Soane’s Museum, and to describe how virtual exhibitions can transform the experience of house museums. Through an in-depth analysis of Soane’s residence, this study identified three main spatial expressions: a structural expression of personal character, a seamless integration of public and private spheres, and a poetic spatial interaction inspired by the works of Shakespeare. The findings of the study showed that virtual museums improve accessibility, contribute to a more complete understanding of spatial relationships, and also offer new for interaction with the collection. In addition, it was emphasized that the digital platform effectively preserves the essence of the museum, as it simultaneously allows for fresh perspectives on Soane’s curatorial vision. The study was able to demonstrate that virtual exhibitions can successfully convey the essence of home museums, combining both the physical and digital realms to provide a more immersive and engaging experience for visitors.