If you are looking to keep busy during this unprecedented time, you may be interested to know that you can virtually tour over 500 museums and galleries directly from the comfort of your home, using the Google Arts & Culture collection. This extensive collection offers an online platform through which the public can access high-resolution images of artworks housed in the initiative’s partner museums.
The Origins and Expansion of Google Arts & Culture
The Google Arts & Culture project was launched back in February 2011 through its Google Cultural Institute initiative, in cooperation with 17 international museums. These initial partners included prestigious institutions such as the Tate Gallery in London, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, and the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. Since its inception, the platform has grown exponentially and now features more than 32,000 artworks from 46 museums. Image acquisition is still underway at the remaining partner museums, ensuring that the collection continues to expand.
This expansion includes works from a diverse range of institutions around the globe. For example, the Art Gallery of Ontario in Canada offers a rich collection of Canadian and Indigenous art. The White House in the United States provides a unique glimpse into American history through its art collection. The Australian Rock Art Gallery at Griffith University showcases ancient and contemporary Indigenous Australian art. The Museum of Islamic Art in Doha features an extensive collection of Islamic artifacts, and the Hong Kong Museum of Art presents a wide array of Chinese art and antiquities.
Exploring the Collection
The Google Arts & Culture platform is designed to be user-friendly, allowing visitors to explore the vast collection with ease. Users can search for specific artworks, artists, or museums, or they can browse through curated virtual tours and exhibitions. The high-resolution images allow for detailed examination of the artworks, providing an experience that is as close to viewing the pieces in person as possible.
One of the standout features of the platform is the ability to take virtual tours of the museums themselves. Using Google Street View technology, users can navigate through the halls and galleries of partner museums, gaining a sense of the physical space and layout. This feature is particularly valuable for those who may never have the opportunity to visit these institutions in person.
In addition to visual art, the platform also offers a wealth of information on various cultural topics. For instance, users can explore the history of fashion, learn about significant historical events, or delve into the lives of famous artists. The platform also includes interactive features such as quizzes and educational games, making it a valuable resource for students and educators.
For a full list of all available museums and galleries, jump over to the Google Arts & Culture website.
The Google Arts & Culture project not only democratizes access to art and culture but also serves as a vital educational tool. By bringing the world’s cultural treasures to a global audience, it fosters a greater appreciation for the arts and promotes cultural understanding. Whether you are an art enthusiast, a student, or simply looking for a way to enrich your time at home, the Google Arts & Culture collection offers a wealth of resources to explore and enjoy.
Source: Lifehacker : Adafruit
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