![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/shared-image.jpg\")
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tThe label with the AI-generated image.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\tThe label with the AI-generated image.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
Denver Art Museum<\/p>\n
Last month, a local TikToker posted a photo <\/a>of a Denver Art Museum<\/a> label, with this text: \u201cSaw my first AI-generated museum label at the Denver Art Museum\u201d accompanied by screaming audio. The label, for an ornamental collar from late-1800s Tibet, depicts an illustration of a Buddhist statue. Under it, a caption reads, \u201cThis ornamental collar may have been used to decorate a Buddhist statue in Tibet.\u201d And under that, \u201cImage generated by ChatGPT, March 27, 2025, from original image and text prompts.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAI is making the future of art history TERRIFYING,\u201d the poster wrote. And indeed, it is. AI is a touchy subject pretty much anywhere, but especially in art spaces, where people argue that art is human, and human art needs to be supported and protected.<\/p>\n The DAM removed the AI-generated image from the label a few weeks ago, after museum staff received direct visitor feedback expressing concern about the use of an AI\u2011generated illustration in the galleries, says Andy Sinclair, DAM senior manager of Communications and Media Relations. \u201cFrom the outset, it was important to us to clearly attribute the illustration as AI\u2011generated, as transparency about how information is created is essential to maintaining visitor trust and aligns with the museum\u2019s commitment to openness in our interpretive practices,\u201d Sinclair says. \u201cThe museum takes visitor trust seriously.\u201d<\/p>\n It was the only label in the DAM\u2019s galleries that incorporated an AI-generated image, and the museum is not currently using AI in any way, Sinclair says. Staff members are thinking about it, though.<\/p>\n \u201cLike many cultural institutions, the DAM has been cautiously exploring how AI might serve as a behind\u2011the\u2011scenes tool, especially for administrative efficiency and for supporting research tasks such as organizing information or synthesizing references,\u201d Sinclair says. \u201cThese explorations are strictly internal and have not resulted in any additional public\u2011facing materials.\u201d<\/p>\n So why was the AI-generated label displayed in the first place? Sinclair says it \u201cwas part of a small experiment exploring how emerging technologies, like AI, might support museum workflows, including conducting basic research, assisting with visualizations and, at times, as a research tool. The goal was never to replace curatorial expertise, but to better understand what these tools can and cannot do.\u201d<\/p>\n Sinclair adds that the team hoped to add context that would help visitors visualize how the Tibetan collar was used. \u201cWe searched extensively for culturally accurate and appropriate reference images, but we were unable to locate a legitimate Tibetan example that was available for fair use,\u201d she says. \u201cMany available photos depicted similar collars worn by people of Chinese or other Asian countries of origin, and we were cautious not to misrepresent Tibetan culture or imagery.\u201d<\/p>\n An AI-generated illustration was explored as a possible solution. \u201cThe intent was to use AI as a tool to support clarity and cultural sensitivity, and to support the museum\u2019s mission to provide context to each object, not to replace human judgment,\u201d she adds. <\/p>\n Still, couldn\u2019t a human artist (perhaps even one on the museum staff) have drawn the illustration? \u201cAI intersects with art and cultural heritage in complex ways,\u201d Sinclair admits. \u201cMany questions arise around training data, consent, copyright and how images of cultural objects or living communities are used. There are also broader concerns about authorship, authenticity and whose voices are represented, or misrepresented, when AI is involved. \u2026Because AI is a rapidly evolving technology, its use can raise valid questions for visitors about transparency and responsibility in museum practice.\u201d<\/p>\n Sinclair adds that the DAM is in the early stages of evaluating if and how AI tools might support museum work, but no decisions have been made about future use. \u201cThese conversations are being guided by an internal AI committee led by leadership, involving teams across curatorial, interpretation, education, ethics, operations, and information systems,\u201d she says. \u201cOur goal is to approach AI collaboratively and carefully, recognizing both the opportunities and the concerns it raises. Our commitment remains in responsible practice, cultural sensitivity, and alignment with the museum\u2019s mission to serve and respect its communities.\u201d<\/p>\n Future visitors to the DAM could start seeing more AI-generated illustrative images, but Sinclair emphasizes that curators will guide the process. \u201cAI is not a replacement for human expertise; our knowledge, creativity, and cultural insight remain essential and irreplaceable,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n AI is still a relatively new tool, and people in many businesses and organizations are trying to figure out how (or if) to use it. Sinclair says the early experiment with the AI-generated image for the Tibetan collar helped museum staff learn, assess risks and understand where AI may or may not be appropriate. <\/p>\n \u201cWe believe museums have an important role in modeling thoughtful and responsible engagement with new technologies,\u201d she says. \u201cWe value the feedback we\u2019ve received. Community perspectives help us shape our approach and ensure our decisions reflect the trust placed in us. As we continue these conversations, our commitment remains to accuracy, cultural sensitivity, collaboration, and the human insight that is at the heart of our work.\u201d<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"Artwork](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/shared-image-1.jpg\")
The label in context with the Tibetan collar.<\/p>\n