The cultural value of the copy in the Museum domain

The essay aims to analyse past and present methods of reality simulation critically. It proposes a non-exhaustive classification of 2D and 3D digital artefacts mainly concerning the cultural heritage field and the museum domain, ranging from reconstructing virtual environments to the most recent computer graphics trends. Moreover, the use of digital copies, sometimes accompanied by their 3D prints, was complementary to the original artefacts’ vision. Starting from some well-known examples of the past up to the most recent artefacts produced in recent years, the contribution of reality simulation methods intends to reflect the different meanings that the copy can take other than its economic value. Value is not easily measurable. It refers to culture and new opportunities for dissemination.