Effect of Display Methods on Intentions to Use Virtual Reality in Museum Tourism

The application of virtual reality (VR) promises unique visitor experiences in museum tourism; however, the underlying characteristics of the experiences still need to be well-researched. This research used world-famous paintings (Vincent van Gogh’ s The Starry Night and Claude Monet’s Water Lilies) as examples, combining flow theory and Stimulus-Organism-Response framework and using the experimental research method. The findings were: (1) the display methods of museum exhibits affected visitors' flow experience and intention to use VR; (2) flow experience had a significant mediating effect in the main effect, and (3) the familiarity with VR had a moderating effect on flow experience’s mediating effect. The findings enriched the research literature on VR usage and display methods in museums, providing a theoretical reference and strategic suggestions for enterprises developing museum exhibits and applying VR technology.