Met Museum Digitizes Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art has digitized 140 objects as interactive 3D models online [https://boingboing.net/2026/03/09/the-met-put-140-objects-online-as-3d-models-you-can-rotate.html], letting users explore artworks like van Gogh’s paintings from every angle.
The Met's Open Access 3D Model Collection includes pieces from across its departments, like Asian Art, Arms and Armor, and European Paintings. This initiative allows anyone to examine details that might be missed in a traditional museum visit. The models are created using photogrammetry, which involves taking hundreds of photos of an object from different angles and then using software to stitch them together into a 3D model. This process captures the texture and color of the object with high fidelity. Educators and students can use these 3D models for research and virtual learning experiences. The Met's move aligns with a broader trend of cultural institutions using technology to increase accessibility and engagement with art.
