Digital twin and HBIM-to-IoT for smart museum management – the case of the DART Museum Chiostro del Bramante

Among recent innovations in cultural heritage digitalization, Heritage Building Information Modeling (HBIM) is particularly relevant for museums, where managing both the “container” — a historic building or site — and its “contents” is essential. These spaces, often repurposed from their original functions, are shaped by how visitors interact with them over time. This study explores the integration of HBIM with IoT systems to collect, visualize, and analyze real-time sensor data within a unified digital platform. A prototype was developed and tested in the former convent of Santa Maria della Pace in Rome. The future impact of the research will contribute to create a “smart” museum by improving building management, monitoring environmental conditions, and supporting visitor navigation through exhibition spaces. This user-centered approach, based on observed preferences, enhances the visitor experience, promotes accessibility, and increases the museum’s cultural and social impact.