This AI ghost of the past might be your guide through museums of the future

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s latest fashion exhibit features a 1930s wedding dress and a virtual character named Natalie Potter. Created by OpenAI, Natalie is a fictional socialite from the 1930s who interacts with visitors, sharing insights about the dress and its historical context. The exhibit, “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” allows visitors to chat with Natalie via their smartphones, similar to using ChatGPT. This interactive experience provides detailed information about the dress, Natalie’s life, and the era of 1931. Andrew Bolton, the Costume Institute’s curator, collaborated with OpenAI to develop Natalie. They trained the AI model with historical data, including newspapers and letters, to ensure Natalie accurately reflects the language and beliefs of the time. Besides text interactions, an additional feature uses OpenAI’s Sora AI video maker to animate photos of the dress, bringing the exhibit to life. OpenAI CTO Mira Murati highlighted the innovative approach of making museum visits more engaging and personalized. This collaboration sets a precedent for future projects, where AI could bring historical figures to life, enhancing public engagement with history, art, and culture. However, ensuring accuracy and avoiding AI hallucinations remains crucial for such endeavors.