The Museum in the Metaverse : On culture as the “place to be. Converging “great places” before and after the pandemic

The aim of this study is the redefinition of culture as a “place” in contemporary pandemic times. Through the lens of the “great third place” theory developed by Oldenburg (1982), this research will start by gauging the state of the art of engagement in cultural activities during the pandemic, highlighting the need felt by audiences of personal involvement and community participation. As widespread lockdowns forced people at home and restrained activities, the home has transformed into the “one and only” place to be, but with a particular twist: culture has been placed at the center of everyday life, fully becoming a “place” itself. This research will attribute this phenomenon to the mingling between the digital realm and the physical one: reference to possible future applications of the “sixth place” will be addressed.