If These Walls Could Talk: Critical Play with Large Language Models in Museums

2026-06-13

AI Summary

This study addresses the tension between factual accuracy and engaging interaction when deploying large language models (LLMs) as role-playing chatbots in museum settings, where enhancing historical fidelity often compromises conversational liveliness. The authors propose a “critical play” design paradigm that reframes the inherent unreliability of LLMs as a pedagogical opportunity, positioning the model as a fictional character embodying historical narratives, multiple perspectives, and ironic commentary. By integrating narrative design with interactive strategies, the system fosters audience engagement while prompting critical reflection on the complexities of historical representation. This approach offers a novel and responsible pathway for applying LLMs in cultural heritage contexts, transforming potential limitations into meaningful educational experiences.

Abstract

Large Language Models (LLMs) are increasingly being used in museums to as role playing chatbots which let visitors talk to simulated versions of people and artefacts from the past. While such installations can be playful and engaging, they are also problematic because LLMs cannot be trusted to speak truthfully. I identify a fundamental dilemma for the use of LLMs in museum chatbots: LLMs cannot be trusted to tell the truth, and efforts to make them more reliable may ruin that which is attractive about the bots in the first place - their ability to engage in life-like conversation. In response, I propose designing for critical play with LLM-based bots: Designing for playful interactions with bots that are unreliable but still able to represent the past in an adequate and engaging manner - as fictional characters representing historical narratives, styles of discourse, diverse perspectives, humor and satire.

Problem

• Large Language Models
• museum chatbots
• truthfulness
• critical play
• historical representation

Innovation

• critical play
• large language models
• museum chatbots
• historical representation
• unreliable narrators