Overview

The Virtual Web Museum is an experimental 3D web application that recreates the experience of walking through a real exhibition space. Developed as a browser-based prototype, it allows visitors to explore curated collections interactively and immersively—directly from their desktop or VR headset.

The project demonstrates how web technologies can deliver museum-like experiences online, providing intuitive navigation, interactive exhibits, and optional WebXR support for virtual reality exploration.

Solution

Once entering the website, users find themselves in a fully 3D exhibition environment. Navigation is intuitive—simply click or point at the floor or exhibit to move. Each exhibit is interactive, highlighting on hover and revealing more details when selected. Visitors can view text descriptions, images, 3D models, or external links directly within the interface.

Movement between exhibition zones is streamlined through a mini-map, and exhibits can be browsed via on-screen Next/Previous buttons. The prototype also supports WebXR, allowing for VR exploration in compatible browsers.

For demonstration, we prepared two themed exhibitions within the same environment:

• History of Virtual Reality Devices — featuring early inventions such as the Anaglyph, Stereograph, and key patents that shaped the evolution of 3D graphics.
• History of Animation — showcasing technologies like Flipbooks, Rotoscope, and Stop-motion puppetry, along with historical figures and patents.

All materials were sourced from public archives and open databases.

Key Features

• 3D Environment: Modeled exhibition hall with pre-baked lighting and multiple zones.
• Content Variety: 18 podiums for 3D objects, 22 paintings, and 2 video screens.
• JSON-based Configuration: Exhibits are defined in easily editable JSON files linking to images, videos, and GLB models.
• Interactive Exploration: Clickable exhibits with detailed info, media galleries, and external references.
• Mini-map Navigation: Instant teleportation between exhibition zones.
• WebXR Support: Optional immersive mode for VR browsers.
• Flexible Expansion: Built for easy adaptation to new themes, CMS integration, and environment customization.

Technical Details

• Technologies: Babylon.js, TailwindCSS, Parcel
• Content Format: JSON, GLB, PNG/JPG, MP4
• Environment: Optimized 3D scene with baked lighting and spatial layout for flexible exhibit placement

Outcome

The Virtual Web Museum demonstrates how modern web technologies can transform cultural and educational experiences into accessible, interactive 3D spaces. The modular architecture allows for quick deployment of new exhibitions, environment redesign, and future integration with content management systems for scalable curation.

This prototype serves as a foundation for digital museums, educational showcases, and branded exhibitions, bridging the gap between traditional galleries and immersive online experiences.