Introduction: Building Inclusive Museums

The intersection of cultural heritage, neurodiversity, and inclusivity in museum settings are crucial considerations to engage the public at large. The increasing use of emerging technologies like extended reality (XR) and virtual museums (VM) to engage neurodiverse populations and promote inclusivity also benefits a general audience. Therefore, the need to address the unique needs of neurodiverse visitors by combining existing approaches like social stories and sensory maps with XR experiences results in greater impact in museums overall. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on museums, leading to a shift towards digital experiences and the potential of XR and digital twin technologies in creating immersive virtual experiences, has opened up new pathways for engagement with the public. The importance of considering sensory sensitivities and providing staff training programs to support neurodiverse individuals can optimize these new pathways.