Putting Visitors in Control: Language and Technology in Exhibits

Across the U.S., museums and cultural institutions are embracing linguistic and cultural diversity to better serve their communities. At its core, translation ensures that visitors can engage with exhibit content in a language they understand. But today, multilingual access is about more than inclusion. It’s about choice.

As technology evolves, institutions have new tools to expand how visitors experience content. From QR codes and interactive media to bilingual subtitles and audio, exhibits can now offer layered pathways to information. Rather than delivering a single, fixed experience, museums can create flexible environments that allow visitors to decide how, when, and in which language they engage.

Below, we explore practical strategies for designing multilingual exhibitions that are equitable, interactive, and visitor-centered.

Why Multilingual Access Matters

Translation is the foundation of visitor choice. When exhibit content is available in more than one language, visitors are not limited to a single pathway through the material. They can select the language that feels most natural, switch between languages if needed, and engage with the content on their own terms.

By offering multilingual content, institutions:

• Create a welcoming environment for visitors of all backgrounds and abilities
• Reflect the linguistic diversity of local communities
• Provide equitable access to knowledge and culture
• Empower bilingual visitors to navigate information in their language of choice

Building a Thoughtful Language Strategy

Language selection should be guided by your audience demographics and community needs. Visitor surveys, membership data, and local census statistics can help identify which languages are most prevalent among the communities you serve.

For many U.S. institutions, Spanish is a logical starting point, as it is spoken by more than 41 million U.S. residents. However, selecting the appropriate form matters. In most U.S.-based museums, U.S. Spanish or Latin American Spanish (LATAM) is widely understood across national backgrounds. The same principle applies to other languages: Simplified versus Traditional Chinese, Brazilian versus European Portuguese, or Canadian versus European French. Thoughtful selection ensures that multilingual efforts genuinely reflect your audience rather than relying on assumptions.

For a deeper look at how to prioritize languages and evaluate variants, read our article How to Choose the Best Language Variant for Your Cultural Institution.

Reflecting Real-World Language Use

Selecting the right languages is only the first step. How those languages are presented within the exhibit also shapes the visitor experience.

Many bilingual visitors naturally “code switch,” moving fluidly between languages within a single conversation or even a single sentence. This linguistic flexibility reflects how people process information in daily life.

Presenting languages side by side—or allowing easy toggling between languages in digital media—mirrors this real-world behavior. Rather than forcing visitors to choose one language over another, thoughtful bilingual design supports flexible engagement. Visitors can compare terminology, clarify meaning, or simply move between languages in the way that feels most natural to them.

Equal Visibility and Consistent Design

Equitable presentation is the foundation of any exhibit that includes more than one language. Each translation should carry the same visual weight so visitors can navigate the experience confidently in their preferred language. This requires consistent use of font size, typeface, layout, and hierarchy throughout the exhibit. The design should never imply that one culture or community is secondary to another.

To help visitors easily identify their preferred language:

• Use consistent placement, such as English on the left and Spanish on the right.
• Visually separate languages with subtle background colors, lines, or spacing.
• Keep typefaces clear and legible. Avoid decorative fonts and ensure strong contrast for accessibility.

If an exhibit includes both printed text and digital screens, carry these principles through all media to maintain a cohesive experience.

For a deeper look at language parity, consistent presentation, and culturally sensitive design, read our article Best Practices for Bilingual Exhibition Design.

QR Codes and Digital Extensions

Adding a second language often doubles the amount of text within a gallery. QR codes offer a space-saving solution while expanding the possibilities for multilingual engagement.

Today, most smartphones have built-in QR code readers, making the technology seamless and familiar for many visitors. Because content is hosted online, institutions can offer additional content without adding wall text or overcrowding panels. Multiple languages can be offered simultaneously, allowing visitors to select their preferred option directly on their own device. Hosting content digitally also reduces reliance on printed materials that may quickly become outdated, supporting more sustainable exhibit design.

QR codes can provide access to a variety of content types:

• Translated exhibit text
• Audio tours
• Augmented reality (AR) experiences or virtual tours
• Curator interviews, historical context, or artist commentary
• Children’s activities or games related to the exhibit
• Membership or donation pages

QR codes are most effective when used intentionally to extend the visitor experience—offering deeper insights, supplemental context, or interactive experiences that enhance understanding. They can also streamline visitor actions, such as purchasing tickets, renewing memberships, or completing surveys. However, avoid overwhelming visitors with too many codes, and keep digital content concise and directly relevant to the exhibit.

Thoughtful implementation also includes practical considerations. Test codes for readability, lighting conditions, and placement to ensure accessibility for visitors with mobility or visual impairments.

When implemented strategically, QR codes give visitors the flexibility to move between physical exhibit content and digital materials as they choose. Much like code switching, this dynamic allows visitors to navigate information in the way that feels most natural to them. It shifts control from the institution to the visitor, empowering each person to shape their own experience.