Will virtual reality 'break museums'?
May 25 2016
Picture: Medium, crowds around the Rosetta stone at the British Museum
No, because the whole point of museums is to see the original object. But Adrian Hon, who is the CEO of a tech company (games, I think) says he's fed up with museum overcrowding, and would rather tour them in virtual reality:
[...] to answer the inevitable question, “Why would you want to look at ancient objects in virtual reality when you could see them in real life for free?” I say, “Because even in the best museums in the world, I can’t see shit.” Compared to that very imperfect reality, virtual reality is an improvement. [...]
Hon makes some interesting points about how VR could potentially provide exciting new context for museum objects, but I think his conclusion is a little over-stated:
Anything you can do in a museum — which doesn’t include touching or smelling—VR can do better.
I'd add looking to the list, at least for fine art.
More here.
