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National Gallery charging for virtual tour of Artemisia exhibition

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national gallery artemesia online tour

The National Gallery has developed a new revenue stream amid COVID-19 by charging for an online tour of Artemisia, an exhibition dedicated to Artemisia Gentileschi.

The virtual offering takes visitors on an 30-minute, online tour of the five-star exhibition ‘Artemisia’ at the National Gallery with curator Letizia Treves. It costs £8.

“This exhibition and Artemisia’s moment in the spotlight has been a long time coming – the show was postponed from April due to the first lockdown, and now it has temporarily closed due to the second,” said Treves.

“Although this film cannot replace the experience of seeing the exhibition in person at the National Gallery, it will allow us to share Artemisia’s story and paintings with as many people as possible, in particular those who cannot make it to Trafalgar Square right now.”

The National Gallery is currently closed in London, but is set to reopen from December 3. The exhibition is due to close on January 24, 2021.

National Gallery currently closed in London

The first major exhibition of Artemisia’s work in the UK showcases her most famous paintings, including two versions of ‘Judith beheading Holofernes’.

It also displays Artemisia’s self portraits, heroines from history and the Bible, as well as her recently discovered personal letters, seen for the first time in the UK.

“I am very proud that the National Gallery is one of the first museums to respond to the current situation and offer a curator-led film for those unable to get to the gallery and see this superlative exhibition due to lockdown, international and domestic barriers to travel and for those who would rather wait a while longer before returning in person,” said Dr Gabriele Finaldi, director of the National Gallery.

“Through our digital initiatives the National Gallery will continue to be open 24/7 with great art for everyone, anywhere, online.”

Meanwhile, Samsung has launched a virtual exhibition called Missing Masterpieces, a digital collection of lost artworks from artists including Van Gogh and Monet.

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Bea Mitchell

Bea is a journalist specialising in entertainment, attractions and tech with 10 years' experience. She has written and edited for publications including CNET, BuzzFeed, Digital Spy, Evening Standard and BBC. Bea graduated from King's College London and has an MA in journalism.

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