New Wave Museums

The State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia is another example of a museum that is making use of their website to share their collection and attract visitors. The Virtual Visit section allows online visitors to virtually 'walk' through the museum. Visitors can choose a room on any level of the Winter Palace and experience 360-degree panoramic views. These panoramic views have little more than mere entertainment value. None of the objects in the rooms can be seen very clearly except for two or three which are offered as thumbnails below the video and can be seen on a larger scale with a short description when clicked on. These panoramic views could, however, create enough interest in the museum's collection that the online visitor would feel compelled to visit in person for a first-hand experience.

Pieces from the St George Service, F. Ya. Gardner Factory
Designer G. I. Kozlov, 1778, Porcelain; underglaze painting, polychrome gilt

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