An XR exploration of the ancient glass of Zadar at Ancona

2026 July
Ancona, Italy

Over the weekend of 4–5 July, the National Archaeological Museum of the Marche will host an XR experience showcasing the ancient glass collection of Zadar. 

IN2 Digital Innovations will be on site in Ancona, using a mix of XR technologies, from 3D models to augmented reality, holograms and mixed reality, to provide visitors with the full experience using Meta Quest glasses. 

The story of the Zadar glass is part of the XRculture dispersed heritage use case. This use case explores how mixed reality technologies can virtually reconnect cultural heritage dispersed across different locations and contexts. Integrating digital representations of artefacts into physical environments opens up new possibilities for interpretation and storytelling.

Between the end of World War I and World War II (1918–1943), the Croatian city of Zadar was Italian territory and remained under the supervision of the Soprintendenza Marche, Abruzzo and Zara. During this period, some ancient Roman glassware from the Zadar region was sent to the National Archaeological Museum in Ancona, where it is now stored in the museum's reserves. 

This pilot experience enables visitors to encounter digitally reconstructed artefacts, or artefacts from different locations, within a physical space, placing them in their original or thematic context. The aim of the scenario is to demonstrate how MR technologies can overcome the physical limitations of museums, enhance understanding of cultural heritage and create more immersive and connected interpretative experiences.