As museums confront accelerating technological and organisational change, they must grapple with how to remain deeply people‑centred while preparing for an unpredictable future. AI is reshaping workflows, decision‑making and institutional culture, while cyberattacks increasingly threaten cultural organisations. These pressures raise broader questions around leadership, preparedness, risk management and long‑term resilience.
The 2026 NEMO European Museum Conference: Human after all – Museums in the wake of AI will explore how museums can respond to these developments with responsibility and strategic clarity. Beyond the technology itself, discussions will address how institutions can maintain public trust, evolve governance models and strengthen organisational stability in a shifting digital landscape.
A key focus will be the civic role of museums in an age of AI. Together in Vilnius, we will consider how museums can foster digital and AI literacy, support critical thinking, and engage communities in open, informed dialogue about technological change and democratic life. The programme will highlight how museums can help visitors navigate the complexities of AI while ensuring that human creativity, ethics and inclusion remain at the heart of cultural work.
- Registration opens in June 2026. Sign up for a reminder to stay updated.
Call for participation
Are you a young museum professional (up to 33 years old) based in the Baltics or Poland and passionate about AI, cybersecurity, and the future of museums? We're offering five travel and conference grants (€500 + free ticket) to attend the NEMO European Museum Conference 2026 "Human after all - Museums in the wake of AI". Deadline extended to 15 May 2026.
