The Future of Cultural Institutions: Why Autonomy-Driven Experiences Outperform Prescriptive Ones
Helene Alonso Helene Alonso

The Future of Cultural Institutions: Why Autonomy-Driven Experiences Outperform Prescriptive Ones

Two decades of research confirm that art improves mental health, reduces stress, and enhances emotional well-being. But there's a catch: these benefits don't come from simply seeing art—they depend on how we engage with it. This article explores why passive viewing falls short, how traditional museum tools can inadvertently limit meaningful engagement, and what adaptive, curiosity-driven approaches can unlock in cultural experiences.

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What Would You Ask About a 2,000-Year-Old Tomb?
Helene Alonso Helene Alonso

What Would You Ask About a 2,000-Year-Old Tomb?

Across the sands of Al-Ula stands Qasr al-Farid—a 2,000-year-old tomb left mysteriously unfinished, its façade carved with the elegance of Greece yet rooted in Arabian identity. Visitors marvel at its scale, but the real story—the merchant who built it, the trade routes that enriched him, the moment history interrupted his plans—remains locked in stone.
WonderWay turns that silence into conversation. Instead of guessing, you simply ask—and the ancient world finally answers.

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This Thanksgiving, Museums in NYC Got a Lot More Interesting
Helene Alonso Helene Alonso

This Thanksgiving, Museums in NYC Got a Lot More Interesting

This Thanksgiving weekend, when museums are packed with families and curious visitors, there's a new way to explore. WonderWay, your pocket curator, launches today in select New York City museums. Visitors can simply describe or ask about any artwork in front of them, in any language, and get immediate, intelligent responses that deepen their understanding and spark genuine curiosity.

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The Louvre Is Overloaded—Here’s How Thoughtful Tech Can Help
Helene Alonso Helene Alonso

The Louvre Is Overloaded—Here’s How Thoughtful Tech Can Help

The Louvre’s sudden shutdown wasn’t a failure—it was a warning. As cultural spaces face rising crowds and limited support, tools like Ayapi can help. A verbal AI companion for travelers, it guides attention, eases pressure on staff, and fosters deeper, more sustainable cultural experiences.

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How AI Is Starting to Democratize Cultural Exploration
Helene Alonso Helene Alonso

How AI Is Starting to Democratize Cultural Exploration

From ancient scrolls to AI-powered seagulls, tech is reshaping how we encounter culture—not by automating it, but by deepening our attention. With WonderWay, I’m exploring how AI can act not as a guide, but as a conversational partner for travelers—revealing stories, not just facts.

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