Archived Issue:
Volume 20 Issue 15 - 2012-04-20

Did You Know?
Google Art Project

Volume 20 Issue 15 2012-04-20

Searching for artistic inspiration—or the chance to relax while examining works of art? Whether you prefer the Louvre (Paris), the Museum of Modern Art (New York), or the Museum of Islamic Art (Qatar), there’s a world of exploration available right at your fingertips with Google’s new Art Project.

And you don’t even need to leave your chair.

The Art Project, “a collaboration between Google and . . . art partners from across 40 countries,” is a “unique online art experience” that allows users to explore museums, artists, and collections from around the world. Over 30,000 works of art are currently available on the site, including “paintings, drawings, sculptures, historic and religious artefacts, photographs and important manuscripts.”

Some of the artwork can be examined “at brushstroke level detail,” while other pieces take the form of a virtual tour. You can also enhance your experience with video and audio guides, museum information, educational materials, and viewing notes. Users also have the option to create their own galleries with their favourite pieces from an eclectic group of museums.

In the future, Google Art Project is considering expanding to “showcase how Artists are using new emerging technologies to showcase their Art.”