The Louvre Museum in Paris, France, is set to open its first VR experience later this year.
Expected to open on 24 October and run until 24 February 2020, the experience, called Mona Lisa: Beyond the Glass, is billed as an 'immersive experience of a master piece' and enables viewers to experience the iconic painting like never before.
Part of a retrospective exhibit commemorating the 500th anniversary of Leonardo Da Vinci's death, the experience is viewed on a HTC Vive Headset and uses new scientific research to reveal details in the painting previously invisible to the naked eyes. It also provides insight into the techniques Da Vinici would have used and the identity of his sitter, who is widely believed to be Lisa del Giocondo, an Italian noblewoman.
The experience was developed by French VR studio Emissive, who worked closely with the curatorial team at the Louvre, and HTC Vive Arts. It brings visitors face-to-face with the Mona Lisa, by digitally removing the crowds, before drawing them into the painting and allowing them to soar through its mountainous landscape.
Additionally, an extended version of the experiece, which takes guests is available for download via HTC's Viveport platform for audiences across the globe.
Dominique de Font-Réaulx, director of Mediation and Cultural Programming at the Lovure, said: "The public will be able to discover an immersive experience of an extraordinary masterpiece. This collaboration will allow visitors to meet and learn more about the Mona Lisa herself, beyond the myths and legends that have accompanied her for more than 500 years."
Victoria Chang, director of Vive Arts at HTC, said: "We are honoured to be able to work closely with the Louvre to present their first VR experience on an HTC Vive headset as part of this monumental exhibition."
"Through this new experience, global audiences will be able to access the Mona Lisa in virtual space, seeing the work in detail from anywhere in the world. Allowing visitors who may not be able to visit the exhibition in person to access this remarkable masterpiece by Leonardo da Vinci through our home version will give unprecedented access to da Vinci’s most celebrated painting.”
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