3D Scanning:
• Use advanced 3D scanning technology to create detailed digital models of artworks
State of Conservation Monitoring:
• Process scans using UVI and AI algorithms to analyze the condition of artworks.
• Enable early detection of potential degradation and critical issues
Enhancing Cultural Heritage Value:
• Generate new, easily purchasable digital assets (NFTMicro) without compromising ownership rights.
• Fundraising proceeds will directly support the preservation of artworks
Dual NFT Approach:
• Create NFTs linked to the usage rights of 3D images
• Offer the capability to produce a high number of micro NFTs (NFTMicro), ranging from 10,000 to 1,000,000 per artwork
Flexible Fundraising with NFTs:
• Fundraisers can utilize NFTs freely while maintaining control over usage rights
• Collectors gain value from acquiring and trading the digital assets
Targeting Digital Collectors:
• Selling NFTs online facilitates funding for restoration, preservation, and maintenance of museum assets
• Attracts a new audience of “digital collectors” to engage with cultural heritage
Museums, collectors, individuals
Italy
• National fund: Cdp
• Private funds: Borderless Capital, Fondazione Social Venture Giordano Dell’Amore, Wise Guys Startup
Low Start-Up Costs and Accessibility: Free 3D scanning services for underfunded institutions through the issuance of NFTMicro, ensuring inclusivity for small cultural organizations.
Innovative Revenue Generation: NFTs create a sustainable funding model without selling ownership rights, ensuring cultural heritage remains intact.
Advanced Preservation Capabilities: High-quality 3D scanning and AI algorithms enable detailed monitoring of artworks, detecting early signs of degradation and ensuring proactive conservation.
External Factors: Collaborations with experts, cultural institutions (e.g., Museo Egizio), and funding entities enhance credibility. Furthermore, rising interest in NFTs, virtual exhibitions, and the metaverse aligns with the increasing popularity of digital assets and experiences among modern audiences
The potential of NFTs in the museum sector is significant but remains largely unexplored, along with the associated risks. A major challenge lies in verifying the legitimacy of the issuer—buyers need assurance that the seller is the rightful owner or has proper authorization. While blockchain ensures traceability of ownership changes, the complexity increases with physical works, raising critical questions about differentiating between the ownership of the physical artifact and the digital NFT. Additionally, some cultural organizations may be hesitant to embrace NFTs, blockchain, or the metaverse, perceiving them as complex or risky and target audiences, including some collectors and smaller institutions, may lack familiarity with NFTs or the technical requirements for accessing digital assets.
• 3D Scanning Technology: For creating high-quality digital replicas of artworks
• Blockchain Technology: To notarize and secure digital assets, ensuring authenticity and traceability
• NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens): Digital tokens representing unique virtual assets, specifically NFTMicro for fractional ownership
• AI Algorithms: To analyze 3D scans, identify degradation, and monitor the state of preservation over time
• UVI (Ultraviolet Imaging): For detailed scanning and detecting underlying artwork conditions
• Metaverse Platforms: For hosting virtual exhibitions and immersive art experiences
• Gamification Tools: To enhance user engagement and create interactive, revenue-generating experiences
• Digital Marketplaces: For selling NFTs online and reaching global audiences
• The initiative won the "Idee Vincenti" contest by Lottomatica, a prestigious recognition for fostering innovative entrepreneurship in the cultural sector
• Collaboration with renowned institutions, including: Museo Egizio di Torino, Palazzo Reale di Milano and Museo Diocesano di Mantova
• Budgeting and resource planning for digital initiatives
• Integration of digital tools into traditional workflows
• Strong risk management and project execution skills
• Building partnerships with tech experts and stakeholders
• Ability to leverage digital marketplaces for selling NFTs and reaching global audiences
• Basic skills in metaverse platforms to host virtual exhibitions and immersive experiences.
This initiative uses 3D scanning and NFTs to help museums and cultural institutions, particularly those with limited resources, preserve and monetize their collections.
Key Features:
This model demonstrates how even small, resource-limited institutions can leverage digital innovation to sustain and grow their impact.
AerariumChain leverages 3D scanning, blockchain, and NFTs to digitize, monitor, and fund the preservation of museum artworks. Key steps in the methodology include:
• 3D Scanning & Ultraviolet Imaging (UVI): Create high-resolution digital replicas and detect hidden or degrading elements in physical artworks.
• AI-Powered Condition Monitoring: Analyze 3D scans over time to detect changes, enabling early conservation intervention.
• Blockchain Notarization: Secure digital assets by recording their authenticity and scan metadata on the blockchain.
• NFTMicro Strategy: Create large volumes of micro NFTs (digital tokens not tied to ownership rights) to fund conservation via digital art sales.
• Revenue Generation via NFT Sales: NFTs are sold online to “digital collectors”, creating new funding streams without compromising physical ownership.
• Free Access for Underfunded Museums: Institutions can join the platform without upfront costs by committing to NFTMicro issuance and profit sharing.
This method is a scalable, digitally-driven model for sustainability that combines conservation, fundraising, and community engagement through tech innovation.
Core Resources:
• 3D Scanning Hardware and UVI Devices – provided at no cost to qualifying museums.
• Blockchain and NFT infrastructure – managed by AerariumChain platform (no setup needed for participants).
• Digital Marketplace Access – via AerariumChain for NFTMicro sales.
• Basic IT Infrastructure (e.g., internet access, admin portal use).
• Partnership coordination – for NFT artwork curation and fundraising strategy.
Estimated Start-up Cost:
• €0–€500 for participating institutions (assuming the museum joins through AerariumChain’s NFTMicro model).
• Optional costs for branding, content creation, or digital marketing: €500–€2,000 (scalable based on goals).
Smaller museums or local heritage sites can replicate or adapt key elements of the AerariumChain model on a limited budget:
• Partner with free or low-cost 3D scanning providers, such as university labs or innovation hubs.
• Use photogrammetry apps (e.g., Polycam, RealityCapture) for creating basic 3D models via smartphones – no special equipment needed.
• Mint NFTs on low-cost or eco-friendly platforms like Polygon or Tezos, using services like Objkt, Zora, or Rarible.
• Avoid full blockchain setup – instead, use existing NFT marketplaces with easy onboarding.
• Offer virtual tours of digitized artworks via Sketchfab, Mozilla Hubs, or social media.
• Combine with donation-based models rather than resale trading for simplified revenue flow.
Estimated Low-Cost Implementation:
• €100–€1,000, mostly for training, NFT minting, and digital promotion.
This makes it feasible for small institutions to explore the fundraising and preservation potential of digital assets without high technical barriers.
