AI Compass for Cultural Heritage. Reflections for the Responsible Adoption of Generative AI

The AI Compass for Cultural Heritage (2026) is a research report supporting cultural institutions considering or already implementing generative AI. Based on 17 qualitative interviews with professionals from the Italian cultural sector, it explores the current state of digital transformation, the expectations and resistances surrounding AI adoption, and the future relationships between AI and cultural heritage. The research focuses on GLAM institutions (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, Museums) – particularly museums and archives – and their relationship with Large Language Models (LLMs) and generative chatbots. The first part gives voice to professionals recounting their daily relationship with digitization, audiences and AI, including their hopes, doubts and reservations. The second part presents the experiences of six institutions that have already implemented AI-based tools, comparing expectations with reality and identifying strengths, weaknesses and future possibilities.