Internet + Museums= Revolution of Knowledge?
Internet exhibits transcends the barrier of time
- The internet has created a new way for people to experience museums and public history. The example of the portrait purchased by the Smithsonian of George Washington is a prime example of how museums are expanding their audiences. A person who might have not had the luxury of traveling to a location to view the famous painting of Washington now has the opportunity of experiencing the full exhibition online to little or no cost to him/her. Not only are the visitors reaping the benefits of having exhibitions online, but museums curators are also enjoying the benefits the internet can provide.
Here are some examples:
- Helps museums with space limitations.
- Promotes conversation within the internet community
- May expand museum’s popularity
Revolutionizing Museums
- What is the next step in the REVOLUTION of museums? Will virtual museums replace real museums? Which setting is more educational?
I personally think that museums are gearing towards a more virtual aspect. This is because virtual exhibitions/museums are much more accessible and help the visitor find more information about a subject or exhibition much easier through hypertext links and online archives that may not be available to a person if they were to physically visit a site. Though virtual museums are becoming more popular I do not see them replacing real museums anytime soon. Being physically at a site and experiencing the ambiance of a place cannot be achieved through the virtual experience. Moreover, I see a collaboration between the two, symbiotically helping each other to achieve a better experience for the visitor.
- But in the end this is just my opinion, I would like you guys to visit the Smithsonian panoramic virtual tour http://www.mnh.si.edu/panoramas/ and tell me what your thoughts. Do you feel like the experience was sufficient or would you have liked to visit the museum?
*this blog was made as a response to Exhibits, Films, Scholarship, and Essays section in the Digital Past*
Preliminary Questioning Final Project:
Why was there so much protest surrounding the design the Vietnam Memorial made by Maya Lin?