Google and major museums worldwide now work together on a special project. The project uses augmented reality to bring art to people everywhere. This started because many museums had to close their doors during the COVID-19 pandemic. People could not visit these important places. Google wanted to help solve this problem.
(Google Ar Museum Tour Cooperation)
The tech company developed new AR tools. These tools let museums create detailed digital tours of their galleries. People can view famous artworks using just a phone or tablet. It feels almost like walking through the real museum. The view is very close and clear. You can see brushstrokes and details hard to notice normally.
Many famous museums joined this effort. Partners include the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Louvre in Paris, the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, and the State Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg. More museums plan to add their collections soon. This gives people worldwide access to art they might never see otherwise.
Google provides the technology platform. Museum experts handle the art selection and the information shared. They ensure the digital tours are accurate and respectful. The tours also include stories about the artists and the history behind the pieces. This adds important context for viewers.
(Google Ar Museum Tour Cooperation)
The AR Museum tours are free. They are available now through the Google Arts & Culture app. Anyone with a compatible smartphone or tablet can download the app. Then they can explore these virtual galleries from home. This project keeps art accessible even when physical visits are difficult. It also introduces art to new audiences globally. Museums see this as a vital way to stay connected with the public.