Project of digitalization of the Buddhist mandala in virtual reality: New horizons of interaction of the museum and technologies. The experience of the National Museum of the Republic of Buryatia

The authors of the article tell about the first project of digitization and virtual representation of the unique historical and cultural heritage − the Buddhist sculptural mandala of S.-Ts. Tsybikov and his school kept in the collection of the National Museum of the Republic of Buryatia. The main goal of the project was to popularize the museum’s Buddhist collection through the creation of the accessible and interactive platform in the form of a virtual tour with the use of VR technologies. It was noted to be the first project of the museum collaboration with the artists, designers and IT specialists from Buryatia. The project is of great significance for the museum as it opens opportunities for the involvement and cooperation with the representatives of creative industry of Buryatia with the museum serving as a resource basis for creating new innovative projects aimed at preserving and presenting cultural heritage.