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Above is one of several
new galleries at MU’s
Museum of Art and Archaeology that allows visitors to see
objects and artifacts that are not usually on display.
Images courtesy of the MU Computer Science Department
Viewers can virtually
turn objects and see them in three dimensions. They also
can access historical information about them.
 
This new technology has the
ability to bring thousands of works out of storage.
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Virtual
Museum Expands
Access to Rarely Seen Artifacts
By Jessica Pollard
The information and technology revolution
has redefined the way people communicate, retrieve information,
and now, experience art. Researchers and students at the University
of Missouri-Columbia are reaching beyond the bounds of computer
science to master the intricacies of “entertainment engineering.”
Their first endeavor is creating a virtual museum, a new gallery
at the Museum of
Art and Archaeology that combines art and technology.
Ali Hussam, research professor in the computer
science department, is laying the groundwork for the museum,
which uses computer-based programs that take the viewer on a virtual
tour through the museum. With a mouse click, objects can be enlarged,
rotated and flipped, showing a 3-D view of every piece included
in the museum. The viewer also can read a summary of each piece
and link to other similar objects.
“A great advantage of this project
is that it makes objects in the collection that aren’t readily
accessible easily available to the public,” said Marlene
Perchinske, director of the Museum of Art and Archaeology at MU.
“With more than 14,000 pieces in our collection, less than
one-third are on public display at any one time.”
The new Robert and Maria Barton Gallery of
Art and Technology will display large computer screens where visitors
can view newly developed prototypes, games and past exhibitions.
For example, a computer headset will be available that allows
individuals to experience different aspects of a specific time
period. Another prototype will allow people wearing a headset
to be virtually transported through a painting.
“The students are doing impressive
work,” Perchinske said. “This project is an interdisciplinary
effort and the research that students are doing plays a vital
role in showcasing the correct information for each collection
included.”
The gallery debuted in April, showcasing
Lewis and Clark, famous African-American Missourians and Harriet
Tubman. An Institute of Museum
and Library Sciences grant is funding the project.
The Museum of Art and Archaeology, founded
in 1957, was renovated 12 years ago. The permanent collections
within the museum reveal art and objects from seven millennia
and six continents, from ancient art to modern art and sculpting.
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Last Update:
November 15, 2007
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