Bridging Art and Technology: Exploring the Museum of Art & Photography (MAP)

BENGALURU: Tucked in the hub of creativity, the Museum of Art & Photography (MAP) seamlessly  integrates traditional artistic charm with the digital landscape. Committed to democratising art, MAP has embarked on a transformative journey, digitising its entire art collection to enhance accessibility for a global audience.

As visitors enter the museum, they encounter a one-of a-kind approach to art interaction. Interactive screens, strategically placed throughout the premises, act as a bridge between the physical and digital worlds. Powered by the Museum aggregator software, Cumulus, these screens empower viewers to delve deeper into the exhibits. Users effortlessly access information about selected artworks, receive it via email, or even download digitised art for personal use.

A glance at the interactive screens reveals an event schedule, enhancing the visitor's experience. An ongoing project involves the implementation of 'scan to know' technology, allowing patrons to instantly scan QR codes for information and event registration – a seamless integration of the physical and digital realms.

The MAP Shop, an integral part of the museum, offers a unique shopping experience. Visitors can purchase merchandise featuring artworks displayed in the museum, allowing them to take a piece of their museum encounter home.

MAP's transition from a traditional museum to digitizing art aims to modernise the museum experience and also serves as an archive for all exhibited artworks, promoting accessibility beyond physical display limitations.

The pandemic prompted MAP's foray into the digital space, collaborating with Google Arts and Culture to create a three-dimensional exhibition and exploration space. The museum's ethos revolves around breaking free from the constraints of traditional art exhibitions, believing that digitization opens avenues to a broader audience.

MAP is more than a repository of art; it's a storyteller, using its physical space and design layout to convey narratives. Dedicated floors, generously supported by patrons, showcase motifs from the Mughal and Awadh eras in sections like the 'Book of Gold.' The museum challenges preconceived notions about North Indian art, encouraging visitors to question and explore.

The inclusion of a café enhances the overall experience, providing a space for contemplation and conversation. The museum's engagement with academia extends to multiple publications, collaborative efforts with researchers, and plans for a dedicated research space within the facility. Aiming to nurture formal studies in the arts, MAP envisions a haven where researchers and students from various universities can delve into the rich world of art. The research space, operating on a subscription model, hosts a collection primarily in English, with ongoing efforts to diversify accessibility by incorporating regional languages.

In essence, the Museum of Art & Photography is not just a space to view art; it's a dynamic, evolving entity that harmonizes tradition with technology, making art an inclusive and immersive experience for all.