GettyGuide

A good example of a museum that has at least attempted to remain cutting edge by integrating new technology into exhibits is the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles. In the mid-1980s they developed a videodisc system to augment their exhibits but by the mid-1990s had realized the limitations of this technology. The content could not be edited to reflect changes within the exhibit and was limited in its mode of presentation. In 1995 they developed GettyGuide, a kiosk-accessible, database-driven access system which included a database of art and artists, along with related images and videos, and ways to search for art by subject and type.


Robin Lilien, Manager of Information and Media Systems at the time, said their primary goal was to enhance the visitor's experience with the art objects themselves: “The technology needs to support what we want visitors to experience, not to interfere with it or distract from it. It should not become the main event” (Marshak 5). The following image represents a timeline of the Gettys' technological evolution since the 80s.

(click image to enlarge)

Online Collections

The GettyGuide kiosks have been translated to the Explore Art section of their website which allows visitors to access the collection in a digital format from home. Online visitors can browse by artist, type of art, or by theme or topic. There is also a Collection Overview that allows visitors to get in-depth information about the various Getty collections and a Video Gallery featuring videos about the museum's collection, techniques, conservation, and exhibitions, and includes many interviews with artists and curators. One of the most interesting features is their Getty Bookmarks. With this users can mark objects as they come across them on the website and later use the bookmarks to create a printable map of the physical museum indicating where all of the items are located. Essentially, users can create their own customized tour to bring with them to the museum. This is a great example of how remote access to collections can actually serve to increase in-person visits to a museum.

(click image to visit the Getty's website)

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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