About the Institution

Founded to celebrate the stories, voices, and contributions of African Americans, the Houston Museum of African American Culture (HMAAC) is a cultural anchor in the heart of Texas. Committed to accessibility, inclusivity, and contemporary storytelling, HMAAC continually seeks new ways to connect its audiences with history, identity, and artistic expression.

The Challenge

How can a museum make African American art speak in a language that is direct, inclusive, and engaging — without requiring extra screens, apps, or devices?

HMAAC wanted to:

• Offer a frictionless and mobile-first experience for its diverse audience;
• Provide accessible, conversational content for visitors who may not be familiar with traditional art mediation;
• Bring more visibility and depth to selected artworks — without overwhelming the curatorial tone;
• Position the museum as a forward-thinking institution, capable of integrating cutting-edge technology while remaining true to its mission.

The Solution

Ask Mona designed a custom AI-powered assistant that transforms the way visitors interact with the artworks — directly through their phones.

How It Works:

1. Scan the QR code near the artwork
2. Snap a photo of the artwork with your phone
3. Talk: the AI recognizes the image and initiates a personalized, chat-based conversation
   • Contextual information about the piece and the artist
   • Insights about cultural and historical significance
   • Open-ended Q&A to engage the visitor in a natural, human-like dialogue

Everything is delivered via a browser-based webapp, no download required.

The Impacts

Educational Depth, Delivered Conversationally

Visitors reported that the chatbot made them reflect more deeply on the stories and symbolism behind each piece — without feeling intimidated by academic language.

Accessible for All

The experience was frictionless: a simple scan-and-go system, optimized for mobile, that worked with any smartphone — making it inclusive across age groups and tech literacy levels.

Art That Speaks to You

The technology created a sense of intimacy between the visitor and the artwork. Each interaction felt personal, responsive, and alive — a true conversation with culture.

A Bold Step Toward Museum Innovation in the US

As Ask Mona’s first major project with an American institution, this collaboration marked a milestone: the export of a European-born conversational AI approach into the US cultural landscape.

Why It Works

• No app to download, no learning curve
• AI powered by curated content and visual recognition
• Designed to reflect the tone and mission of the institution
• Measurable engagement and usage insights available to the museum