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Why #MuseumFromHome Proves That Virtual Is The New Reality
Kay Carson • 7 April 2020
Seventy years ago, when French politician and writer André Malraux outlined his vision of a ‘museum without walls’ – an imaginary place containing the finest art in the world with no geographical borders or limits – he had no inkling that his words would be reinterpreted, recontextualised, in the internet age. But as Britain remains in a state of lockdown amidst the coronavirus pandemic, being online has never felt so essential.
Now, scrolling on a smartphone is not just about watching funny dog videos (although they are marvellous) or tweeting about a TV show. Living in imposed isolation has made even the most resolute of technophobes acknowledge the increasing importance of gadgetry in our everyday lives.
From chatting to loved ones we can’t visit, to home schooling, to holding Zoom meetings with similarly housebound work colleagues, digital has come into its own. Virtual is the new reality.
The silver lining in all of this is that our myriad museums and art galleries have been digitising their collections for years, with some also offering virtual exhibitions and tours. If you’re anything like me – a fervent gallery-goer – putting more arts and culture online is a lifeline.
Here are just some of the highlights available right now.
This interesting online exhibition looks at 300 years of clothes shopping in Leeds – not only exploring how the shops have physically changed, but also how consumer behaviour has altered over time.
Enjoy a virtual tour of art galleries, learn about the history of Birmingham, and explore the Staffordshire Hoard.
Always wanted to view Sutton Hoo? Thanks to Google Maps technology, now’s your chance.
Known as an open-air museum, the six-acre site also houses an image library documenting Yorkshire life, from farming to leisure. And for the kids, there’s a selection of engaging activity sheets
to download, with a new one added each week.
The Lancashire museum offers a selection of virtual galleries to explore and, if you have a head for heights, the impressive Egyptian Balcony.
Go on a virtual walk through galleries featuring magnificent Renaissance masterpieces from Northern Europe, including works by Titian, Veronese, and Holbein.
The first Warhol exhibition at Tate Modern for nearly 20 years and not to be missed. In addition to his iconic Campbell’s Soup and Coca-Cola cans, this retrospective features work never shown before in Britain.
From aerosols to milk cartons, this online exhibition looks at some of the most significant packaging inventions and designs that have influenced our daily lives.
The television technology section
is one of my favourites – not just because it has a Betamax video recorder (yes… I had one).
More than 90,000 people worldwide normally enjoy the fellowship of this network, meeting up for lectures and gallery trips – and now the society has launched an online version, designed to keep art-lovers connected in these isolated times, featuring online lectures and a forum.
::Most museums and galleries are on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Check out #MuseumFromHome on social media for more art online.