Digital Pasts, Tangible Futures: A Thematic Study of Virtual Heritage ( <scp>VH</scp> ) Research

ABSTRACT This research conducts a bibliometric investigation into the scholarly discourse surrounding virtual heritage from 1997 to 2025, using data extracted from the Scopus database. Analyzing a curated selection of 306 peer‐reviewed articles and conference papers, the study uncovers the structural, thematic, and collaborative dimensions of this interdisciplinary field. Employing analytical tools such as CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and the Bibliometrix R package, the research maps influential contributors, institutional networks, and evolving research clusters. The results demonstrate increasing convergence between technology and heritage studies, particularly in virtual reality, user interaction, and artificial intelligence. Despite this growth, notable research voids remain, especially regarding global diversity, conceptual engagement with authenticity, and the long‐term preservation of digital reconstructions. The study concludes with methodological observations and proposes future research pathways to foster a more inclusive, sustainable, and critically grounded framework for developing and evaluating Virtual Heritage practices.