The utilisation of digital technologies for enhancing experiences has been on the rise in various industries. Lately, there has been a growing interest in the cultural and tourism sectors regarding the adoption of emerging technologies, specifically extended reality (XR). XR technologies facilitate interactive and immersive experiences that go beyond traditional exhibitions, catering to the diverse needs of various audiences. This study examines six XR exhibits; data were analysed using thematic analysis to reveal the potential of XR on engagement and provide guidance for future implementation. The findings reveal four key themes, (1) XR-based information contextualisation, (2) XR-enhanced interaction, (3) XR-enhanced immersion, and (4) XR-induced emotional connection. This study emphasises the potential of XR technologies in offering immersive and interactive cultural experiences. It also provides future research areas.