HAMBURG, December 21. /Dunyo IA/. An article on the participation of Professor Michael Merkel of the German Archaeological Museum in Hamburg has been published on the museum’s website, highlighting his contribution to panel discussions on the topic “Current State of Artificial Intelligence in Museums,” held during the international conference “The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Museums” at the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The event was organized by UNESCO in cooperation with the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation.

During the panel discussion, the German museum expert presented the AMH Museum project “PhotoDetective” and discussed the possibilities of researching, systematizing, and presenting photographic collections to a wider audience using AI tools. Participants from various countries exchanged experiences on practical applications of AI in collection management, research, architectural design, and public engagement.

According to the expert, the discussions emphasized a human-centered approach, highlighting that AI should assist museum professionals rather than replace them entirely.

As part of the conference’s cultural program, excursions were organized to museums and historical sites in Samarkand and Bukhara, including the Bukhara Biennale. Professor Merkel expressed particular admiration for a spectacular concert by world-renowned French composer and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Jean-Michel Jarre at the historic Registan Square, a symbol of Silk Road heritage. He noted that the conference events successfully demonstrated the harmony between national traditions and innovation.

In his article, the German scholar stated his intention to continue international dialogue on AI in museums, expand cooperation, and apply the experiences gained in practice. During his visit, he explored Registan, exhibitions of Uzbek embroidery, the traditional paper-making center Konigil-Meros, the Mirzo Ulugbek Observatory, Shah-i-Zinda complex, Afrosiyab Museum, the Amir Timur Mausoleum, and other historical and cultural sites in Bukhara, documenting his observations on the museum’s website.

Professor Merkel emphasized that his participation in the Samarkand panel with the “PhotoDetective” project served as an important stimulus for sharing practical experience in AI applications for museums, while underscoring that ethical considerations, expert evaluation, and final responsibility remain with humans. The cultural program in Samarkand and Bukhara played a significant role in the event and opened opportunities for new partnerships.

The Samarkand conference brought together over 2,800 specialists from 190 countries, serving as an international platform for exchanging views on the role, opportunities, and responsible use of AI in cultural heritage and museum practice.