Cultural Heritage 360 with contributions from NOVA FCT researchers

Professors and researchers from the Departments of Conservation and Restoration (DCR) and Informatics (DI), in collaboration with the VICARTE – Glass and Ceramics for the Arts and NOVA LINCS – Laboratory for Computer Science and Informatics research centers, play a pivotal role in the ambitious Cultural Heritage 360 project.

Valued at over €11.7 million and part of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR), this initiative aims to safeguard and democratize access to national cultural heritage by making it available online in innovative formats. By December, the project will deliver:

• 12 documentary films;
• 65 virtual tours;
• 2D and 3D digitizations of 59,500 cultural artifacts from 65 museums, monuments, palaces, and archaeological sites under the Ministry of Culture.

Funded by the PRR’s “C04-i01-m02 – Digitization of Arts and Heritage” measure, the project seeks to modernize technological infrastructure in public cultural institutions and advance their digital transformation.

To date, over 20,000 digital assets have been produced, with ongoing progress accessible via the Making Of – Cultural Heritage 360 website.

The project's success relies on a multidisciplinary team of more than 50 experts, including faculty and researchers from NOVA FCT, coordinated by Nuno Correia (DI) and Márcia Vilarigues (DCR).

The Departments of Conservation and Restoration (DCR) and Informatics (DI) contribute critical expertise in conservation, restoration, photography, 3D modeling, graphic design, informatics, and social sciences. VICARTE adds its specialized knowledge in heritage conservation sciences, while NOVA LINCS provides advanced technological solutions in 3D modeling, graphic design, and informatics, fostering innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration in cultural and technological contexts.

Through its departments and research centers, NOVA FCT demonstrates its commitment to driving innovation and interdisciplinarity, supporting the preservation and promotion of Portuguese cultural heritage in the digital age. This effort reinforces its position as a leader in applied research and innovation in heritage science and technology.

The project, presented on January 16, 2025, at the National Museum of Archaeology in the Jerónimos Monastery, was attended by the Secretary of State for Culture, Maria de Lurdes Craveiro. She emphasized the initiative's impact on preserving and disseminating Portuguese culture, increasing engagement with cultural activities, and attracting new audiences.

In the press: