The Eight partners from seven countries met to review the project’s achievements, plan the long-term use of its results and explore future cooperation.

On 15 and 16 July 2026, the partners of MUSED, gathered in Istanbul for the project’s final Transnational Project Meeting.

Hosted by Abdulkerim Bengi Anatolian High School, the meeting concluded almost two years of cooperation among schools, museums and cultural organisations from Italy, Spain, Greece, Portugal, Poland, Hungary and Turkey.

Reviewing the MUSED journey

The eight partner organisations reviewed the activities completed in each country, assessed the project’s overall results and agreed on the final steps required for its formal closure.

The discussions highlighted the value of combining education, cultural heritage and digital technologies within a shared European framework. Throughout the project, students explored local traditions, places and memories, transforming their research into digital content with the support of teachers and cultural professionals.

This collaborative approach helped students develop digital, creative and intercultural skills while encouraging them to take an active role in the interpretation and communication of cultural heritage.

A shared digital legacy

The partners reviewed the main resources developed through MUSED.

The Digital Museum Learning and Engagement Guide provides methods and practical ideas for integrating museums and cultural heritage into educational activities.

The MUSED Virtual Museum Toolkit guides schools, teachers, museums and cultural organisations through the creation of virtual exhibitions. It covers content preparation, digital design, accessibility, navigation and publication.

The European Virtual Museum brings together images, videos, podcasts, interviews, recipes, proverbs and family stories produced across the partner countries. Its three-dimensional environment allows visitors to explore five thematic areas: traditions and celebrations, oral heritage, natural heritage, architectural heritage and culinary traditions.

The project website documents the MUSED journey and provides access to news, resources and project results. it recorded around 8000 views and approximately 4,000 visitors so far.

The partnership agreed that both the website and the Virtual Museum will remain online for at least three years. This commitment will allow schools, museums, associations and other organisations to continue consulting and using the materials after the end of the funded period.

Recognition as a Good Practice

The Istanbul meeting also celebrated the recognition of MUSED as a “Good Practice” initiative.

The project was selected by the Italian School of Advanced Training for Education and the Italian Ministry of Education and Merit through a national call dedicated to innovative educational practices. The official decree was published on 18 May 2026.

The recognition highlighted the project’s integration of heritage education, digital skills, European cooperation and active student participation. It also confirmed that the MUSED approach can be adapted and transferred to other schools, museums and educational contexts.

Istanbul as a setting for digital museology

The meeting combined working sessions with cultural visits across Istanbul.

The partners explored different approaches to heritage interpretation, including immersive audiovisual experiences, traditional museum displays and digital archiving practices. Visits to museums, monuments and historic districts provided a direct connection between the project’s themes and the cultural setting of the city.

Istanbul’s layered history and cultural diversity offered an appropriate context in which to conclude a project focused on the shared and evolving nature of European heritage.

Looking ahead

The final meeting marked the formal completion of MUSED while opening a discussion about future cooperation.

The partners expressed interest in building on the experience gained and exploring a possible follow-up initiative. Future activities could expand the network of participating schools and museums and further develop areas such as accessibility, multilingual content, community participation, sustainability and digital heritage education.

After almost two years of joint work, the partnership leaves MUSED with reusable educational resources, stronger professional relationships and a shared commitment to keeping its results accessible.

The project has reached its conclusion, but its digital resources, methods and European connections will continue to support new educational and cultural experiences.