10 Asset Tokenization Platforms for Historical and Cultural Properties

Real World Asset Tokenization is now opening new gateways for how we preserve historical and cultural assets. From rare paintings like Picasso and ancient artifacts to heritage buildings and archaeological data, the Real-World Asset Tokenization Platform Development makes it possible for anyone, anywhere, to own a piece of our shared heritage.

This blog explores the top 10 Real World Asset Tokenization applications that have already delivered real-world projects in the tokenization of cultural and historical properties. The guide also provides insights on how you can create one for tokenizing the historical and commercial properties.

Why Tokenize Historical and Cultural Assets?

Traditionally, access to high-value art, rare artifacts, or landmark real estate was limited to the wealthy or large institutions. Tokenization breaks these barriers by offering:

• Fractional ownership—anyone can buy a share in a masterpiece or historic building.
• Transparent provenance—blockchain’s immutable ledger tracks every transaction, reducing fraud and ensuring authenticity.
• Liquidity in previously illiquid markets—owners can trade their shares globally, opening new funding streams for preservation and restoration.

The Best Tokenization Platforms to Tokenize Historical Projects

Below are the leading platforms that have successfully tokenized historical, cultural, or high-value real-world assets, each with a specific example from their track record.

1. Sygnum

Sygnum Bank is a fully regulated Swiss digital asset bank specializing in the tokenization of fine art, collectibles, and other real-world assets. Their asset tokenization platform covers legal structuring, issuance, custody, and secondary trading. Sygnum’s approach ensures compliance, security, and liquidity for both issuers and investors, democratizing access to exclusive blue-chip artworks and providing a secure, bank-grade infrastructure for asset tokenization.

Notable Example: Tokenization of Picasso’s artwork “Fillette au béret,” where 4,000 digital tokens were issued, enabling 50 individuals to invest in fractional ownership of the piece.

2. Damien Hirst/Christie’s

Christie’s, the world-renowned auction house, has embraced blockchain by collaborating with artists like Damien Hirst to tokenize physical art pieces. Hirst’s “The Currency” and “Everyday Objects” were sold as NFTs; each linked to a physical artwork. Christie’s also pioneered the sale of digital art NFTs, set records and integrating blockchain into the traditional art market.

Notable Example: Damien Hirst’s “The Currency” and “Everyday Objects” collections were tokenized.

3. Maecenas

Maecenas is a blockchain platform dedicated to democratizing access to high-value art by offering fractional ownership through security tokens. Investors can participate in blockchain-based auctions and trade art shares on a secondary market, making it easier for individuals to diversify their portfolios with blue-chip artworks and for galleries to unlock liquidity from their collections.

Notable Example: Tokenized Andy Warhol’s “14 Small Electric Chairs,” allowing investors to buy shares in a multimillion-dollar artwork.

4. RealT

RealT specializes in tokenizing real estate properties, including those with historical and cultural significance. The asset tokenization platform development allows international investors to acquire fractional stakes in U.S. real estate, earn rental income, and exchange their tokens on secondary marketplaces. RealT’s model lowers barriers to entry, increases liquidity, and brings transparency to property investment, especially in culturally rich cities.

Notable Example: Tokenized hundreds of properties in Detroit, a city with deep cultural and industrial heritage.

5. Propy

Propy is a global asset tokenization platform that leverages blockchain to facilitate secure, transparent, and compliant property transactions. Propy enables the tokenization of landmark and luxury properties, automates the closing process, and allows for cross-border investment. Their technology bridges the gap between traditional real estate and digital ownership, making high-profile assets accessible worldwide.

Notable Example: The Platform enabled the first-ever real estate deal conducted via blockchain in Ukraine and has since tokenized high-end properties in locations such as California and Dubai.

6. Smartlands

Smartlands is a regulated platform focused on tokenizing real-world assets, especially luxury and multifamily real estate. It offers compliant security tokens backed by income-generating properties, enabling global investors to earn dividends and participate in property appreciation. Smartlands also provides a robust legal and technical infrastructure for asset managers and property owners.
Smartlands operates as a compliant platform specializing in the tokenization of tangible assets, with a particular emphasis on luxury and multifamily residential properties.

Notable Example: Tokenized Eaglebrook Apartment, enabling investors to buy the factors of luxury property.

7. Blockimmo

Blockimmo is a Switzerland-based platform that focuses on converting European commercial and residential real estate into blockchain-based tokens. By issuing blockchain-based shares, Blockimmo enables fractional ownership, liquidity, and cross-border investment in high-value properties. Their focus on regulatory compliance and transparency makes them a pioneer in the European property tokenization space.

Notable Example:  Tokenized a luxury commercial property in Zurich, Switzerland.

8. HomeCubes

HomeCubes focuses on tokenizing heritage and culturally significant real estate, particularly in Dubai. Their platform enables crowdfunding and fractional ownership of historic buildings, supporting preservation and revitalization efforts. HomeCubes connects local heritage projects with global investors, ensuring that cultural landmarks receive the attention and funding needed for their upkeep.

Notable Example: Tokenized heritage properties in Dubai.

10. Museum of the Future

The Museum of the Future in Dubai is at the forefront of integrating blockchain for the digitization and tokenization of cultural artifacts. Their initiatives include creating digital twins of physical artifacts, issuing tokens for virtual ownership, and using blockchain to enhance provenance and public engagement with Dubai’s cultural heritage.

Notable Example: Announced plans to incorporate digitization and tokenization of cultural artifacts.

11. Digital Archaeological Record (tDAR)

tDAR is a digital repository that uses blockchain to ensure the provenance, authenticity, and integrity of archaeological data. By tokenizing access and ownership rights to digital records, tDAR supports long-term preservation, transparent research collaboration, and public engagement with archaeological heritage worldwide.

Notable Example: Used blockchain to track the provenance of archaeological data, ensuring the authenticity and integrity of digital data.

Benefits Of Tokenizing Historical Assets

• Democratized Access: Fractional tokens let individuals of all backgrounds invest in and support the preservation of cultural treasures.
•  Transparent Provenance: Blockchain’s immutable ledger ensures a secure, verifiable record of every transaction and transfer of ownership, reducing fraud and disputes.
• New Funding Models: Museums and heritage organizations can raise funds by selling digital shares, supporting restoration and education without relinquishing full control.
• Legal and Regulatory Evolution: Tokenization is pushing regulators to address issues around intellectual property, cross-border ownership, and the enforcement of digital rights.

Challenges to Overcome

• Legal Complexity: Ownership rights, intellectual property, and cross-border enforcement remain complex and evolving.
• Verification: Ensuring the authenticity of assets before tokenization requires expert input and can be costly.
• Regulatory Gaps: Many jurisdictions lack clear frameworks for tokenized cultural assets, though international standards and smart contracts offer promise for the future.

To overcome these obstacles, it’s crucial to partner with a Tokenized Platform Development Company that knows what they are doing. Partner with one having a clear understanding of the tokenizing landscape, compliant with changing regulations, and having an in-house team of blockchain experts.

Final Thoughts

Real World Asset Tokenization is entering a new era for historical and cultural assets, making ownership and investment more inclusive, transparent, and secure. The platforms above are not just theoretical—they have already delivered real-world projects that prove the model works. As technology and regulation evolve, expect even broader adoption, bringing our shared heritage to the fingertips of people worldwide.

Planning to build a Real-World Asset Tokenization Platform for tokenizing historical artifacts. Partner with Antier for the custom solution.