Met launches app to collect and wear items and accessories from artworks

New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art and Verizon have launched Replica, an innovative app that allows visitors to digitally bring elements of artworks into the virtual realm of the Roblox platform so they can “collect” them and interact with them. For example, it is possible to digitally collect unique pieces, such as Vincent van Gogh’s straw hat or an early 14th - 15th centuryJapanese suit of armor, free of charge for your Roblox avatar to wear.

Simply download the Replica app (it can be downloaded for free on iOS and Android devices), and starting Aug. 3, visitors to the Met can access the in-app map to explore the museum works involved in the project and then scan them.

Each “wearable” piece was inspired by art from across the Met’s vast collection; there are 37 works of art selected for the innovative trail, which includes nine curatorial areas, including the American wing, Egyptian art, European paintings, and Asian art. Highlights include Van Gogh’s Self-Portrait with Straw Hat; Statuette of Anubis; Perseus with the Head of Medusa; Prince Holding a Falcon; Marble Capitol and Pinnacle in the Shape of the Sphinx; Vase with Rabbits; a 16th-century helmet; and the armor of Henry II, King of France.

After scanning the artworks involved, each piece is turned into a collectible replica and can be transferred to the Roblox platform. These objects will appear in theuser’s inventory for their avatar to use as items and accessories. On Roblox, users can experience a virtual version of the Met’s iconic Fifth Avenue façade in New York City and other famous spaces, such as the Great Hall and the Great Hall steps. Each element is accompanied by information and details about the object and its history. Users are invited to create object pairings and present their selections in museum-style showcases, which can then be positively voted on, and take photos in four digital spaces inspired by the museum’s collections.

Created and designed by the multidisciplinary company UNIT9 and Verizon in collaboration with Roblox, Replica is designed as auser-friendly and engagingexperience for children and young adults. The Roblox experience contains a virtual version of the museum itself, where users can explore the museum itself.

“This innovative app brings works of art from the Met’s distinguished collection into the virtual realm of Roblox, transforming the way visitors interact with art and creating an engaging, fun and truly unique journey through the museum,” said Max Hollein, director of the Metropolitan Museum.

“In partnership with the Metropolitan, we created Replica as an experience to connect people to art in a new and culturally relevant way,” said Kristin McHugh, of Verizon. “Our technology can help bring play and art together, creating new possibilities for arts education.”

Met launches app to collect and wear items and accessories from artworks

Warning: the translation into English of the original Italian article was created using automatic tools. We undertake to review all articles, but we do not guarantee the total absence of inaccuracies in the translation due to the program. You can find the original by clicking on the ITA button. If you find any mistake,please contact us.