Since their launch, Ask Mona’s intelligent magnets have generated real enthusiasm. Much more than just souvenirs, they allow visitors to interact directly with iconic historical figures thanks to generative artificial intelligence. Today, over 150 unique creations have already been brought to life.
Flip the magnet, scan the QR code, and the conversation begins. In just a few seconds, visitors can talk to Marie-Antoinette, Van Gogh, Rosa Bonheur, Napoleon, or even Sarah Bernhardt. These characters are available in several languages depending on the country and respond accurately using content provided by the partner institution.
Magnets alone represent 37% of souvenir sales in museum gift shops, making them one of the most popular items. By combining strong commercial appeal with a unique interactive experience, connected magnets are redefining what a museum souvenir can be.
Ask Mona offers more than 150 historical figures and symbols, ready to join museum shops. But that’s just the beginning. A monument, an object, a logo, or a figure specific to your heritage can also be transformed into a custom conversational agent.
Each creation is carefully trained using documentation provided by the institution — just like the Vincent van Gogh magnet developed with the Van Gogh Institute, or the Rosa Bonheur character, based on the biography written by Anna Klumpke.
Feedback has been unanimous. During the Éternel Mucha exhibition at the Grand Palais Immersif, the Sarah Bernhardt magnet captured visitors’ attention and extended the experience well beyond the exhibition itself.
This innovative format:
Over 200 cultural institutions worldwide already trust Ask Mona to bring their collections and iconic figures to life. Which character will you start with?