The Mucha Museum, located on Panska Street in the heart of Prague, has made history as the first museum in Europe to integrate an Artificial Intelligence curator, MUSEUS AI, revolutionizing how visitors engage with the art and legacy of Alphonse Mucha. This groundbreaking initiative, developed by AI startup MUSEUS, allows guests to interact with exhibits in their native language via personal mobile devices. It offers real-time, in-depth insights into Mucha’s iconic Art Nouveau works and his life.
Since its launch, the MUSEUS AI curator has been accessed by nearly 90% of visitors, with English, Czech, French, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese emerging as the most-used languages. The system will expand to 15 languages in the coming months, including Polish, Spanish, Italian, German, Portuguese (Brazilian), Hindi, Ukrainian, and Arabic, further broadening accessibility for international audiences. By scanning QR codes displayed alongside exhibits, visitors select their preferred language and either choose from preloaded questions or pose their inquiries about Mucha’s art, receiving tailored, accurate responses from a meticulously curated database.
“The MUSEUS AI curator transforms the museum experience into something deeply personal and educational,” said Sebastian Pawlowski, founder of the Mucha Museum. “This technology breaks down barriers for non-Czech or non-English speakers, making Mucha’s genius accessible to all. It’s a leap forward in inclusivity and engagement.” The tool lets visitors “like” their favorite artworks, providing the museum with valuable data on popular pieces while fostering a dynamic connection between the audience and the collection.
Katharine Butler, Co-Founder of MUSEUS, emphasized the AI’s precision and adaptability: “Our system uses retrieval augmented generation (RAG) to ensure answers are rooted in rigorously researched, verified content. Visitors control the depth of their exploration, whether they seek a quick fact or a detailed analysis. This flexibility enriches their experience without overwhelming them.”
The innovation aligns with the Mucha Museum’s legacy of pioneering cultural initiatives. Established in 1998 as Prague’s first private museum, it has welcomed over 2.6 million visitors to its exclusive collection of Mucha’s original works, including masterpieces from his Paris period and commercial collaborations with brands like Moët & Chandon and Nestlé. Recent highlights include exhibits from the renowned Ivan Lendl collection, owned by Portu Gallery Investments, showcasing rare, high-quality pieces acquired during the tennis legend’s career.
Pawlowski, a longtime advocate for innovation, sees AI as the next frontier in museum stewardship. “In 1998, we pioneered private museums in Prague. Today, we’re leading with AI to captivate younger generations and global tourists. We invite fellow institutions to explore how MUSEUS AI can enhance their offerings and attract diverse audiences,” he noted. The museum’s dual membership in the Czech Association of Museums and Galleries and the Czech Association for Artificial Intelligence underscores its commitment to blending tradition with cutting-edge technology.
MUSEUS’s development was spearheaded by experts, including Professor Mi Zhang, a leading AI researcher at Ohio State University, and Dr. Tuo Zhang, a specialist in large language models, alongside Butler’s expertise in art history and entrepreneurship. Their collaboration ensures the AI’s responses are both academically rigorous and visitor-friendly.
The Mucha Museum’s adoption of MUSEUS AI reflects a growing trend in cultural institutions to harness technology for enhanced accessibility and engagement. As museums worldwide grapple with evolving visitor expectations, this tool offers a scalable solution to personalize experiences, bridge language gaps, and gather actionable insights into audience preferences.
Located in Kaunicky Palace, the Mucha Museum remains the only venue in Prague dedicated solely to Mucha’s original artworks, distinguishing itself from imitators. Its integration of MUSEUS AI reaffirms its position as a forward-thinking guardian of Art Nouveau heritage, inviting locals and travelers alike to rediscover Mucha’s legacy through a modern lens.
About the Mucha Museum:
The Mucha Museum, founded in 1998 by Sebastian Pawlowski, is the world’s first institution devoted exclusively to Alphonse Mucha (1860–1939), a luminary of Art Nouveau. It houses original works from his Parisian career, including famed commercial posters and the Ivan Lendl collection. A member of the Czech Association of Museums and Galleries, the museum innovates at the intersection of art and technology.
About MUSEUS:
MUSEUS is an AI-powered curator designed for cultural institutions. It offers multilingual, interactive guidance via visitors’ mobile devices. Developed by Professor Mi Zhang, Dr. Tuo Zhang, and Katharine Butler, it combines advanced AI with curated data to deliver precise, engaging educational experiences.
Media ContactCompany Name: Mucha MuseumContact Person: Sebastian PawlowskiEmail: Send EmailCountry: Czech RepublicWebsite: http://www.mucha.cz
