Sustainable exhibitions in museums, libraries, and other GLAM institutions (galleries, libraries, archives, and museums) around the world prove that cultural institutions can actively contribute to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These innovative formats combine education, environmental protection, and social responsibility, inspiring visitors to better understand global challenges and actively shape the future. We searched beyond Austria's borders for the best examples:
The Museum of Natural History in Chicago provides an impressive example with its exhibition „Planet or Plastic?“. Here, augmented reality (AR) and interactive data visualizations are used to illustrate the massive impact of plastic waste on the environment. Visitors can not only understand the problem, but also learn about concrete solutions. Such AR approaches not only promote SDG 13 (climate action), but also create a modern and accessible visitor experience.
In London, the Victoria and Albert Museum dedicated its „Sustainable Fashion“ exhibition to the topics of fashion and sustainability. Not only the exhibits, but also the entire exhibition architecture consisted of recycled materials – an impressive example of SDG 12 (Sustainable Consumption and Production). The show demonstrated how sustainability can be implemented holistically in cultural production.
The Humboldt Forum in Berlin demonstrates how social and environmental issues can converge. An exhibition on indigenous perspectives on climate change was created in collaboration with indigenous communities and raised awareness of global environmental issues. This initiative promoted SDG 16 (peace, justice, and strong institutions) and demonstrated the importance of exchange across national and cultural boundaries.
Digital formats also play a crucial role:
By digitizing its collections, the Austrian National Library offers a resource-efficient way of making cultural heritage accessible. With workshops on topics such as climate change and biodiversity, it focuses on high-quality education (SDG 4) and thus reaches a wide audience. Virtual accessibility is a groundbreaking step toward combining sustainability with education and inclusion.
There is great potential in Austria to adopt and further develop such approaches. The GreenGLAM project is driving precisely these innovations forward. Using augmented reality and AI-supported tools, GreenGLAM supports Austrian GLAMs in designing sustainable exhibitions and maximizing their public impact. The development of a web-based dashboard and authoring tool enables institutions to present SDG-relevant content in an interactive and targeted manner. These tools lay the foundation for strengthening the role of GLAMs as pioneers of sustainability while raising visitors' awareness of global challenges.
Conclusion
The examples mentioned show how GLAMs around the world are promoting the SDGs with creative approaches. Through GreenGLAM, Austrian institutions have the opportunity to learn from these best practices, develop their own projects, and place sustainability at the center of their work. GreenGLAM proves that innovative technologies and interactive content are the key to making cultural institutions fit for the future.
