###### Abstract  
The digital transformation of the GLAM (galleries, libraries, archives, and museums) sector is a multifaceted process that must address a range of requirements and critical challenges, such as traceability, long-term preservation, and sustainability. The potential of disruptive technologies to revolutionize this sector is significant, offering new ways to overcome these challenges and align with the broader objectives of smart cities. While substantial research has been conducted on the digital transformation of the GLAM sector, many opportunities remain unexplored by various stakeholders. This paper contributes to the field by proposing a reference architecture rooted in a design-oriented approach for developing and implementing processes related to the digital transformation within the context of smart cities. To illustrate the practical application of the proposed architecture, a proof of concept was developed in the form of an immersive digital gallery, which features an AI-powered virtual storyteller. The gallery, built using the open, cross-platform, Unreal, incorporates digitized physical art and a virtual metahuman tutor who guides users through the gallery. This interactive 3D environment enables users to explore the space, engage with artworks, and interact with a virtual guide. The environment's performance was evaluated using a keystroke-level model analysis. Key findings from a pilot study involving 10 users showed that, when directed by the AI storyteller, the average time to locate an artwork was 16.5 s, while the average time to ask a question was 15.8 s. By integrating such technologies, the GLAM sector can contribute to the cultural fabric of smart cities, fostering more sustainable, accessible, and interactive public spaces. reference architecture; virtual gallery; GLAM; metaverse; smart cities +
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0000-0001-5000-0001-5000]O.O. in new and innovative ways. For example, [PERSON] et al. [1] discuss the notion of a museum without a wall, whereby users experience virtual exhibitions by use of VR technologies. Their findings indicate that GLAM institutions can benefit from virtualisation, providing a new way to engage audiences. [PERSON] et al. [2] also share this insight, however, with a focus on academic research, proposing that virtual GLAM has the potential to support a holistic overview of research. Integrating these digital capabilities into the infrastructure of smart cities enhances not just cultural accessibility but also contributes to the sustainability and innovation goals of urban development. More precisely, by leveraging such immersive technologies, GLAM institutions can play a crucial role in fostering community engagement and cultural enrichment, fostering the cultural exchange between citizens within the smart city's ecosystem. Furthermore, there is much discussion surrounding the notion of the Metaverse and the role this will hold for the future of GLAM [3]. Metaverse is seen as the next evolution of the Web, focusing primarily on interaction and 3D content [4; 5]. At the time of writing this article, a Metaverse-based virtualization roadmap for the GLAM sector is relatively under exploration [6]. This is largely in part due to the lack of consensus and standardization regarding the notion of the Metaverse. As [PERSON] et al. discuss [7], the Metaverse still lacks a generally accepted definition, and several vulnerabilities need to be resolved [7] before the concept is fully realized. Furthermore, as discussed later in this article, recent studies focus mainly on the implementation of digitalisation technologies, rather than standardized (metaverse) frameworks. Therefore, this article documents the design of a reference architecture for the development of such systems in the transformation of the sector, validated by means of an immersive proof-of-concept (PoC) accompanied by an artificial intelligence (AI) copilot.