Wednesday, February 2, 2011

From Your Bedroom: The Promise of Google Art Project


One of the true joys of the internet is that you can do pretty much anything (even blog) from the comfort of your own bedroom (maybe even in your pajamas). That convenience and access keep us searching for newer devices to keep us online wherever we go. Up to now, virtual museum-going seemed a hit-or-miss proposition. An institution here or there would go out on a limb and put their content on a platform. Some museums sought online life through existing forums such as Second Life. Google, however, has taken virtual museum-going to a new level with Google Art Project, a consortium of 17 museums around the world sharing not only gigapixel versions of works in their collections, but also allowing you to “stroll” virtually through their galleries. Finally, you can examine Vincent van Gogh’s 1888 Bedroom in Arles, housed in the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, from the comfort of your own bedroom, anywhere. Please come over to Picture This at Big Think to read more of "From Your Bedroom."

3 comments:

Hels said...

The probability in January and February is that half the world is blogging in bathing suits! Or naked! Which seems disrespectful in front of great art :)

That aside, I am delighted with the new project. Just one question. Is the consortium limited to the 17 museums around the world, or might more museums come on board over time?

Bob said...

They plan to open it up to more museums after any bugs are worked out, but there's no time frame yet. The FAQ page says museums can contact them to find out more.

Unknown said...

ha! @Hels: half the people depicted in Renaissance and Baroque art are already in their Birthday suits, those observing shouldn't be faulted for getting into the spirit!

H