Digital vs Physical: The Gallery Experience Debate

A recent article in FAD Magazine explores whether digital art platforms can replicate the physical gallery experience. While digital access has grown significantly—35% of UK adults engaged with arts digitally in 2024/25, up from 27% in 2021/22—the tactile and spatial qualities of in-person viewing remain irreplaceable. The UK art market reached $10.5 billion in 2025, underscoring the continued primacy of physical sales. Virtual exhibitions offer global accessibility and immersive features like VR tours and AR overlays, exemplified by Frameless in London. However, curators and collectors still prioritize physical shows for trust and authority. The article notes that digital entertainment industries, such as online gambling platforms, have created polished immersive environments that art platforms could emulate.