Press Releases

iBeacon works as a communication tool which connects with other devices, sending a signal using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). It is an indoor positioning system that Apple Inc. calls "a new class of low-powered, low-cost transmitters that can notify nearby iOS 7 devices of their presence." It can also be used by the Android operating system.

Through this particular programme, visitors will receive information from the National Roman Legion Museum and People’s Collection Wales on their mobile devices as they go around the Museum, discovering and interacting with the exhibits.

The programme is based on digital content curated by the museum, and will feature iBeacon technology through the use of the Locly platform. 11 iBeacons have been placed around the National Roman Legion Museum with existing digital content re-purposed to provide a media rich visitor experience through the Culture Beacon app, which is available on the iOS app store.

The partnership has completed stage one of the pilot, which was to trial the technological concept of iBeacons within a working accredited national museum.

Stage two of the pilot is now underway. It will investigate specific elements of digital heritage such as learning, interpretation, the use of bilingual and multilingual materials. This current stage will only be available to those interested in learning more about iBeacon technology in a museum environment.

David Anderson, Director General, Amgueddfa Cymru said:

“After a successful trial at the National Slate Museum, I’m delighted we’re now able to extend the use of iBeacons to a second Amgueddfa Cymru –National Museum Wales site. Romans were famous for their innovation. It’s, therefore, apt that the National Roman Legion Museum in Caerleon carries on this tradition by ensuring that the Romans remain at the forefront of new technology.

“We are continuing to explore the full potential of iBeacons, and how they can enrich the visitor experience in order to create a new world of public services for the cultural, heritage and museum sectors. I am proud that Wales is leading the way in terms of this exciting development.”

Ken Skates, Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism said:

“The iBeacons project is at the cutting edge of the innovative use of technology in the cultural heritage sector.  In an increasingly digital world, developing new ways of increasing people’s engagement with, and enjoyment of, our culture and heritage is very important so I am delighted Wales is leading the way in this field. 

Not only will the new app will provide visitors with free access to a range of multimedia digital content and resources designed to complement and enrich their physical visit experience at the National Roman Legion Museum, but it is being used as a pilot project so the experience and information gained from the project will help to develop the technology further to benefit other cultural heritage organisations.”  

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