After a decade of declining visitor numbers, the UK’s cultural institutions are turning things around by scrapping the conventional ‘look-don’t-touch’ mantra and making use of experiential tech. The British Museum has done just that with its first VR weekend to promote its Bronze Age exhibit.

What would a painting by a celebrated artist smell, sound or taste like? For too long, museums were strictly ‘look and don’t touch’, but curators are now putting visitors’ senses and emotions at the heart of their exhibitions – all while providing a slick backdrop for an Instagram update.

Do you find traditional art galleries underwhelming? The founders of Art in Island do. “You're not allowed to touch anything nor take pictures,” they lament on Facebook “You don’t even have any proof of being there.” Not so in their art museum, where selfies are obligatory.

In the vast expanse of the British Museum there’s a 4th century Chinese scroll – known as the Admonitions scroll – so old and delicate that it can only be viewed for a few months each year. But with the power of digital technology, it can now be seen any time, from anywhere in the world.