European Museum Conference 2026: Rethinking the Human Role in the Age of AI

NEMO European Museum Conference 2026: Human after all – Museums in the wake of AI will take place in Vilnius from 11–13 October. The conference will explore the evolving role of people in museums amid the growing influence of artificial intelligence and increasing digital vulnerability.

Bringing together 250 museum professionals and technology experts from across Europe and beyond, the event will examine how museums can actively shape this period of transformation.

With more than 50 museums and galleries, Vilnius provides the setting for discussions on how technology is reshaping the cultural sector. As museums explore new ways to enhance visitor experiences and engagement, this year's conference shifts the focus from technology itself to the people behind it. Key questions include how museums can build trust, strengthen democratic resilience, and assume responsibility in a rapidly changing environment.

The programme will address a range of strategic, ethical, and practical challenges, from mediating contested truths and encouraging critical engagement to navigating organisational change and strengthening institutional resilience.

Through discussions, hands-on sessions, and collaborative exchanges at the National Museum of Lithuania and the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, participants will consider how museums can rethink their roles, develop institutional capacity, and respond constructively to uncertainty.