I had a wander through Google’s latest Streetview-esque project, Google Art Project. It’s basically Google Streetview for major museums. Sadly, the Louvre is not included yet—and somehow I think the French will never allow it. But there are other fantastic museums in the site.
I wish the walkthrough images were of higher quality, but as I wandered the galleries, I realized something was… odd. There are no other people—the experience is one of complete solitude. It’s like wandering the halls after an apocalypse that only you have survived.
There’s something unsettling about being in a museum alone, even if virtually. The years of history seem to close in on you. Time does funny things.
You should definitely check it out.
Tags: art, google art project, museums
Google let’s me see places I can’t afford to travel to. The Art Project is neat. I wouldn’t mind if they did the same thing at other public places. It’s cool, as long as they stay out of my house.
I won’t be satisfied until they index where my car keys are.
Some museum staff will let a photographer set up their equipment either early in the morning before the building officially opens, or late in the afternoon after it officially closes. You just have to call ahead, be nice, and then get lucky enough to talk to someone who appreciates photography.