Explore Amazing Virtual Reality Museum Tours, Part I
As museums are widely distributed around the globe, it is hard to imagine that one day we would be able to visit them all. By incorporating Virtual Reality into the museum experience, individuals are now able to explore national treasures; All at their easiest convenience, from the comfort of their home, for free, and without the distraction of other visitors. Virtual tours are truly an experience unparalleled to anything ever seen before.
In case your wondering what is available to explore, or don’t know where to start, we’ve looked at some of the Museums who have incorporated VR into their gallery experience. Below are our top picks for you to enjoy today:
(Feature Photo credit: Museum Planner)
1. The Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, D.C.
The Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM) began their VR efforts back in 2016. Today, visitors can experience the full east-wing of the museum, where their permanent collection is located. Key displays include the painting “Aurora Borealis,” by Fredric Edwin Church and the famous bronze sculpture, by Augustus Saint-Gaudens.
Currently, the SAAM has over 47,000 pieces of art with 90% of them being stored out of sight from the public. In the future, they hope to create renders of these artworks, resulting in the public being able to experience them online, from anywhere in the world.
2. The British Museum, London, England
Photo Source: The British Museum Blog
The British Museum recently released their efforts to intersect art and technology. The new Virtual Reality tour of their Egyptian Galleries is “first-of-its-kind 360 experience” that can be viewed n any device.
The full tour includes expert audio commentary and interactive 3D models, transporting visitors to the bronze age. “The technology is particularly useful for the bronze age, a difficult period for visitors to engage with and imagine museum objects in their original context,” said the gallery curator, Neill Wilkin. Now visitors at the British Museum will truly be able to imagine life centuries ago.
3. The Louvre, Paris, France
Photo source: The Louvre
The Louvre is not only the world’s largest art museum but a historic monument in Paris, France. It is the most visited art museum and contains artwork from the most impressive collections. Thanks to Virtual Reality, the museum offers free online tours of its most sought-after exhibits, such as the Galerie d’Apollon. A 360-view of the museum and the ability to zoom and pan are offered. Plus, one day, you’ll be able to virtually stop and enjoy the Mona Lisa, without the crowds!
4. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York City, New York
Photo Source: Guggenheim
Since 2016, the Guggenheim museum, which was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, has offered an immersive VR experience. Visitors can fully experience the amazing architecture while viewing the buildings interior and select shows. An exciting aspect of this initiative is the opportunity to work with schools and teachers. This initiative allows children to be both creators and visitors.
5. The National Gallery of Art, London, England
Photo Source: Art Fund
The National Gallery of Art shares the story of European art, from artists such as Van Gogh and Paul Cézanne. This art lover’s museum provides access to 18 rooms, showcasing 300 different paintings, to be exhibited virtually. While on the tour there are links to painting pages. This virtual experience offers visitors the chance to learn more about each specific piece.
6. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City, New York
The Met is the largest art museum in the United States and contains artwork from humanity’s greatest and most talented artists. The museum offers virtual tours through their program called “Met 360⁰.” Videos are posted to YouTube, allowing visitors a completely immersive experience where they can view masterpieces from artists such as Vincent van Gogh, unlike ever seen before.
7. Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Vincent van Gogh is one of history’s most iconic artists. He produced 900 paintings during his short, tragic lifetime. Ever wonder what It would be like through Vincent’s eyes? What about seeing each of his sunflower pieces together in one room? Now, new kinds of experiences are made possible at this museum in Amsterdam. This is something that seemed nearly impossible not too long ago. “One can only wonder what Van Gogh himself would make of it all.”
In the 21st century, there has been a rapid increase in technological advancements. The movement for organisations to adapt to these new trends have become essential. Within the art community, only recently have some museums offered new methods to make art more accessible, with virtual reality being one example. At Arius, we are also devoted to helping preserve and maintain an art-rich culture around the globe.Our latest 3D technologyallows for the recreation of historical masterpieces from artists such asMonetandVermeer.Now, it is possible for anyone to own and experience famous paintings, showcasing that leveraging technology can help make art more accessible in new forms.
Read how Arius is helping pave the way for cutting-edge restoration and conservation techniques thanks to 3D scanning and the Arius Digital Master File (ADMF)
Finding the right fine art insurance policy can be a daunting task, however, with this guide, Arius Technology breaks down through the basics of fine art insurance and what policy may be best suited for your art collection!
Photo Source: The British Museum Blog
Photo Source: Guggenheim
Photo Source: Art Fund
