Use cases for non-fungible tokens (NFTs) have evolved from pixelated Punks and Apes to real-world applications such as real estate contracts and music royalties. Another use case has arisen because Monuverse uses NFTs to preserve cultural heritage around the world.
Through a combination of blockchain technology, 3D imaging, generative art, and local collaboration, Monuverse uses NFTs to transfer important global landmarks into a digital reality where they will be preserved without limits.
The first NFT project of this caliber from Monuverse highlights the Arco della Pace, or Arch of Peace, in Milan, Italy.
The initial digital rendering of the monument will not be available for sole proprietorship under intellectual property law and authorization from the Italian Ministry of Culture: Archeology, Fine Arts and Landscape, Milan authority.
However, a subsequent drop of 7,777 random NFTs gives individuals a portion of the memorial’s virtual counterpart and access to related events. These NFTs also open up a new avenue through which owners can take care of cultural heritage.
Cointelegraph spoke with Andrea Salomon, co-founder of Monuverse, to understand how NFTs can further help preserve this cultural heritage and advance its virtual tourism efforts.
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NFTs are expected to be a huge help in introducing the next billion users into the crypto space. This will be particularly the case if they are associated with known and valuable elements of their cultural heritage, creating a sense of familiarity.
Salomon said that when NFTs are generated from monuments, they will help create a “tangible bridge between realities” and contribute to a virtual ecosystem.
“Being a virtual owner of a real historic monument should come with feelings: not only do you own a wonderful piece, but you are actively helping to preserve heritage in a creative and fun way.”
The default preservation of traces means that they will be frozen in the current moment as they are now. If global conflicts or natural erosion occur in the real world, virtual reality will have an untouched version for future generations to enjoy.
“Owning a Monuverse NFT is not only an honor but also a responsibility,” said Salomon.
An important aspect of this project is that a portion of the proceeds from the NFT dips provides “permanent funding” to the local institutions to which these antiquities belong.
“[The funding] will accelerate the maintenance and restoration of monuments around the world, many of which are truly in danger.”
This is definitely something the project plans to change for the better, Salomon said.
Apart from cultural heritage, NFTs can create new possibilities for the world of Web3 virtual tourism. While virtual reality and augmented reality have been important in creating digital experiences, Marec believes they can’t do it alone.
“Web3 is going to be critical in this area because it will take people’s experiences to a whole new level. I think the key word here is ownership.”
According to the Monuverse co-founder, virtual tourism can take a new level of connection to a place where visitors who own a relevant NFT can develop a true sense of ownership and belonging like never before.
Already, metaverse events in historical locations prove to be innovative ways to connect the past with the future.
