Telecomms firm Verizon and the Metropolitan Museum of Art have launched an AR museum experience through the new Replica app. The experience lets museum goers scan artwork at the museum and bring elements of the pieces into the metaverse platform Roblox through AR.
To enjoy the experience, users will need to download the Replica app, where museum visitors can use the in-app map to guide them to various art pieces throughout the museum. Users can follow clues on the app’s digital map to find specific galleries and pieces throughout the museum.
Visitors can learn about various artworks through the app and users can also collect digital museum pieces such as Vincent van Gogh’s straw hat from his 1887 Self-Portrait. Scanning an artwork sends a virtual version to the user’s Roblox inventory. The user’s Roblox avatar can then wear these collectibles. Each Replica item comes with information on the actual piece’s history.
Kristin McHugh, SVP of Marketing and Creative at Verizon said, “In partnership with The Met, we created Replica as an experience to connect people to art in a new and culturally relevant way. From The Met Unframed to this exciting launch of Replica, our technology can help bridge gaming and art, creating new possibilities for art education.”
The Experience Goes Beyond the Replica App
On Roblox, users can pair items and display them in museum-style display cases. Users can also take photos in four virtual photo booth spaces inspired by The Met’s art collections. In addition, Roblox users can even visit a virtual edition of the famous museum.
Max Hollein, The Met’s Marina Kellen French Director and CEO said, “This groundbreaking app brings artwork from The Met’s illustrious collection into the virtual realm of Roblox, transforming the way visitors engage with art and crafting a captivating, fun, and truly unique journey through the Museum. Replica is a testament to The Met’s ambitious exploration of educational initiatives that inspire playful connections with art in the Museum as well as in the digital realm.”
Jack Brassell is a freelance journalist and aspiring novelist. Jack is a self-proclaimed nerd with a lifelong passion for storytelling. As an author, Jack writes mostly horror and young adult fantasy. Also an avid gamer, she works as the lead news editor at Hardcore Droid. When she isn't writing or playing games, she can often be found binge-watching Parks & Rec or The Office, proudly considering herself to be a cross between Leslie Knope and Pam Beasley.
