Virtual reality (VR) technology has gained prominence for enhancing educational experiences and outcomes. However, its application in art appreciation remains an emerging area with limited exploration. The primary objective of this study was to assess the needs of middle school students regarding VR applications for art appreciation. To achieve this, 40 middle school students from a school in China participated in the research. Qualitative research methods were employed, utilizing thematic analysis to analyze the data collected from focus group discussions. This approach allowed for a comprehensive understanding of the students’ perspectives and needs related to VR in art appreciation. Based on the data presented, the majority of students expressed boredom with the current art appreciation classes and noted difficulties in understanding artworks. However, there was a palpable excitement about the potential of VR applied to art appreciation. The results of this study indicate that integrating VR tools in art appreciation meets the needs of middle school students. This study provides important insights into the application of VR in art appreciation that can help educators tailor VR experiences to meet the diverse needs of their students. In response to this study’s limitations, recommendations for future research were also addressed. © 2025 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
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