Museo Reina Sofía to host conference exploring art history in the digital age

Art lovers visiting Madrid can dive into the evolving relationship between museums and digital media during an upcoming conference hosted by the Museo Reina Sofía. Titled On Your Screen: Art History and the Museum Facing the Audiovisual Challenge, the event explores how moving images and digital platforms continue to reshape the visitor experience and democratise art-historical knowledge.

【Attraction Tickets】Royal Palace of Madrid Ticket

Available 2026-10-23

HKD 181 Start

Book now

Reframing traditional art display

Taking inspiration from John Berger's landmark 1972 television series Ways of Seeing—which famously demonstrated how broadcasting masterpieces like Goya's The Third of May 1808 directly to viewers' home screens altered traditional engagement—the conference examines modern screen ecosystems. From integrating digital installations inside gallery spaces to deploying complex virtual strategies online, the sessions analyse how these technologies challenge classic institutional authority and expand public access to art history.

Conference highlights and schedule

Organised alongside the ATLAS AV research project, the conference brings together academic panels, lectures, and case studies examining the intersection of film, digital archives, and cultural heritage. Key sessions taking place on 18 September 2026 include:

• Opening Lecture (10:30 am): A presentation by Irene Baldriga tracing the historical push by UNESCO and ICOM to adopt audiovisual tools for museum education following World War II.

• Round-Table I (11:45 am): Discussions exploring how moving images alter artistic knowledge and historiography, featuring presentations on video art, decolonial chronopolitics, and conceptual art.

• Round-Table II (3:30 pm): An exploration of documentaries, lecture performances, and specialized television as tools for disseminating heritage to wider audiences.

Visitor information

The event takes place at the Museo Reina Sofía in Madrid. The venue is fully accessible, featuring reserved spaces for visitors with reduced mobility.