Blenheim Palace has launched a new app called ‘Archie – your interactive guide’. This innovative tool allows visitors to enjoy customized tours tailored to their interests. Named after the Palace’s former Administrator, Archie Illingworth, who played a significant role in its history, the app enhances the visitor experience by sharing over 300 years of untold stories, many narrated by staff members.

The app is a product of Culturati, a pioneering project supported by Horizon Europe, with Blenheim Palace serving as its UK pilot site. Visitors can now explore unique historical accounts, such as the use of the Long Library as a wartime hospital during World War I, and Archie’s personal memories of hosting the House of Dior fashion show in 1954.

David Green, Head of Innovation at Blenheim Palace and Project Manager for Culturati, expressed:

“It is a real honour for Blenheim Palace to be the UK pilot site for this unique collaboration, which retells stories using the latest digital technologies with elements of AI.

This collaboration involves 14 European partners aiming to transform how cultural heritage is presented and experienced from a digital perspective.