Abstract

The transformation of museum education in Samarkand reflects broader global shifts in how historical narratives are curated, experienced, and contested. Moving beyond traditional object-based displays and didactic storytelling, museums in the city are embracing interactive and immersive approaches that engage visitors as active participants in the interpretive process. Digital technologies such as virtual reality, 3D scanning, and interactive installations are redefining the way Silk Road heritage is encountered, expanding access and fostering deeper engagement across diverse audiences. At the same time, international collaborations with cultural and academic institutions have introduced new curatorial strategies, audience development techniques, and governance models that challenge inherited frameworks. These changes are taking place against the backdrop of broader post-Soviet transformations in the region, as museums renegotiate their role in shaping identity and historical consciousness. Drawing on global and regional case studies, this article examines the intersection of digital innovation, pedagogical reconfiguration, and international knowledge exchange in Samarkand’s museums. It argues that these institutions are not merely modernizing but actively reimagining their purpose, bridging the divide between preservation and participation. By analyzing these developments, the study contributes to discussions on the evolving role of museums in the twenty-first century and their potential to function as dynamic spaces of cultural mediation.