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The presentation of clothing collection objects in museums brings specific constraints and requirements. Textile objects are particularly sensitive to mechanical handling and prolonged exposure to light. At the same time, it is interesting to see these objects in motion as they were worn. In this paper, we propose a new method of presenting digital 3D models of clothing collection objects that allows us to display these objects in motion. The presentation is handled by two real-time applications. Virtual Wardrobe, designed especially for enthusiasts, aims at simulating the movement of the fabric as closely as possible, with the possibility of zooming in on details and showing clothing in a historicizing environment. Virtual Mirror, aimed towards the general public, allows visitors to virtually put on selected collection objects. The Virtual Mirror can display up to three visitors simultaneously and performs semi-automatic calibration to their character types. The main innovation of the proposed presentation of historical clothing objects is presentation of their detailed 3D reconstruction in motion in real time on dimensionally appropriate models of figures. This makes the solution different from the optimized models used in computer games and the non-real-time rendering used in the film industry. Both applications were subjected to a long-term usage study and a questionnaire study to determine visitor acceptance, which was positive. We summarize the experience of deploying both applications in practice at the museum exhibition.

Preserving and presenting historical clothing items in museum collections is challenging due to their sensitivity to handling but of great importance due to their deterioration over time. Creating digital replicas of these items can give museums unique documentation and presentation possibilities. A specific workflow is needed to create 3D digital models that can be simulated in real time to present clothing objects in motion and a realistic environment. This paper presents a detailed description of the workflow to create realistic 3D digital models of historical clothing items for motion animation. We demonstrate the use of the workflow on clothing items from the Prague City Museum’s collection.