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The Crypto-Museum: Investigating the impact of blockchain and NFTs on digital ownership, authority, and authenticity in museums

This thesis explores the intersection of digital heritage and blockchain technology, focusing on how museums can leverage NFTs to redefine digital ownership and

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Abstract

This thesis explores the intersection of digital heritage and blockchain technology, focusing on how museums can leverage NFTs to redefine digital ownership and audience engagement. Through case studies and qualitative interviews, the author investigates how traditional institutions struggle with concepts of authenticity, authority, and preservation in a digital-first environment. The paper analyzes the potential for NFTs to provide provenance and verifiable ownership for digital museum collections, while addressing the ethical implications of marketizing historical artifacts. It provides a nuanced look at the tension between decentralized blockchain ethos and institutional museum practices. The research concludes that while NFTs offer a powerful tool for provenance and revenue generation, museums must adopt critical policies to ensure cultural preservation remains central to their mission, rather than becoming secondary to speculation. Authors: Francesca Giliberto Publication: Thesis Publication date: 2022-01-01

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Key findings

  • NFTs offer a robust technological solution for maintaining provenance of digital museum assets.
  • Museums face cultural and technical hurdles in integrating blockchain without compromising their role as trusted curators.
  • There is significant concern regarding the environmental and ethical implications of NFTs in the cultural sector.
  • Blockchain adoption in museums can potentially democratize access to digital culture if implemented with an educational focus.

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Citation

Francesca Giliberto (2022). The Crypto-Museum: Investigating the impact of blockchain and NFTs on digital ownership, authority, and authenticity in museums. Thesis. https://research.manchester.ac.uk/en/studentTheses/the-crypto-museum-investigating-the-impact-of-blockchain-and-nfts
Canonical knowledge ID: research:the-crypto-museum-investigating-the-impact-of-blockchain-and-nfts-on-digital-ownership-authority-and-authenticity-in-museums