If there's one thing that we've sorely missed over the last year, it's the ability to spend hours wandering the halls of our favourite museums and galleries. Especially when on holidays; there's nothing quite like the experience of learning about a new city and its history through centuries of relics and art. When in Paris, the first stop is of course, the Louvre. No matter how many times you have walked beneath the glass pyramid, there's always something new to uncover. While we can't say with certainty when our next opportunity to visit in person may be; the Louvre Museum has just made a virtual experience possible, launching a digital database for free online viewing.
Designed with both researchers and art lovers in mind, the Louvre Museum digital database will house over 482,000 pieces; including works from the Louvre and the Musée National Eugène-Delacroix, sculptures from the Tuileries and Carrousel gardens, and ‘MNR’ works (Musées Nationaux Récupération, or National Museums Recovery) recovered after WWII.
"Today, the Louvre is dusting off its treasures, even the least-known", said Jean-Luc Martinez, President-Director of the Musée du Louvre in a press release.
"For the first time, anyone can access the entire collection of works from a computer or smartphone for free, whether they are on display in the museum, on loan, even long-term, or in storage. The Louvre’s stunning cultural heritage is all now just a click away! I am sure that this digital content is going to further inspire people to come to the Louvre to discover the collections in person."
The database, which is accessible via your computer, tablet or smartphone offers a variety avenues that will help begin your search. Delve into the archives through simple or advanced searches, entries by curatorial department, or themed albums. If you're longing to wander the museums incredible halls once more, an interactive map allows virtual visitors to explore the Louvre room-by-room.
What are you waiting for? Head to the Louvre Museum website to begin exploring the new digital database.
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