What Happens When AI Meets the Vatican… in Minecraft?

What if your students could step inside the Vatican, scan centuries-old artwork for damage, and use AI to restore it — all without leaving the classroom?

That’s precisely what Peter is Here: AI for Cultural Heritage makes possible inside Minecraft Education.

Developed in collaboration with Microsoft, the Vatican, and Shapescape, this free experience takes learners into the heart of St. Peter’s Basilica, where they become digital conservators tasked with bringing priceless works of art and architecture back to life.

Stepping Into the Shoes of a Conservator

The gameplay begins with restoration missions. Students use simulated AI-powered tools — the AI Block Scanner to detect damage, and the AI Block Retriever to select and apply the right materials.

Their tasks? Repairing icons like Bernini’s Baldachin, the ancient obelisk, and the Rotunda column. With every scan and repair, they see instant visual feedback as historic structures shift from damaged to fully restored.

It’s a playful way to show how AI supports real-world heritage work, turning abstract ideas about preservation into interactive and hands-on experiences.

Beyond Restoration: Exploration and Discovery

Once the restoration is complete, the game opens into exploration mode. Students can freely roam the Basilica, exploring its grottoes and hidden corners.

Guided by NPCs and the in-game Smart Compass, they uncover stories of the artists and conservators behind the Basilica, including Michelangelo and Bernini. Each discovery encourages curiosity-driven inquiry and makes history feel alive and approachable.

Learning Outcomes That Cross Subjects

Peter is Here isn’t just about art history. It’s cross-curricular by design. Students explore:

• History & Culture: Understanding the legacy of one of the world’s most iconic landmarks.

• STEM & AI: Learning how technology assists in preservation today.

• Critical Thinking: Solving problems and making restoration decisions as a team.

And because the lesson comes with ready-to-use resources — teacher guides, PowerPoint slides, and student worksheets — it’s easy to integrate into existing plans without heavy prep.

Why It Matters

The project blends the past and the future in a way that resonates with students. By combining AI, cultural heritage, and Minecraft’s immersive format, it helps learners understand why preserving history matters and how modern technology can contribute to that story.

For many students, this might be their first time engaging with the idea of cultural stewardship. And it sticks because they aren’t just reading about it… They’re doing it.

See It in Action

To give a better sense of what this looks like in practice, we put together a short walkthrough video.

If you’re planning lessons for the new school year and want something fresh, cross-curricular, and hands-on, Peter is Here: AI for Cultural Heritage is a powerful place to start.