How does virtual reality facilitate museum interpretation? The experience of perceived authenticity

Virtual reality (VR) is increasingly being used in tourism to enhance visitor experiences. However, its impact on perceived authenticity in museum interpretation remains largely unexplored. Drawing upon hermeneutics, this study investigated visitors' perceptions of a VR museum interpretation experience and examined how VR impacted their perceived authenticity. Using the Palace Museum in Beijing, China, as the study context, 21 participants were invited to use VR headsets for a museum visit; subsequently, semi-structured interviews were conducted about their virtual experience. The findings indicate that visitors perceive emotional authenticity more readily in digital heritage interpretation. Interactive authenticity is influenced by VR features such as presentation, cultural learning, and dialogic interaction. Original authenticity is perceived through the detailed interpretation of artefacts and exhibits, focusing on presentation and cultural learning. The findings suggest that museums should prioritise understanding visitors' needs and tailor VR platforms to enrich interpretive content. This approach enables VR to effectively convey authenticity in heritage contexts.