The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles has announced the launch of its new digital platforms, in partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies. The organisation has provided funding to support the creation of the museum’s website, online archives and an app, which have all been designed to enhance the in-person guest experience and extend access to a global audience.
“The Academy Museum’s digital platforms will be an expansion of the museum’s dynamic, diverse, and immersive visitor experience,” says Bill Kramer, director and president of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.
“As part of that, our new app will connect users with the art and artists of cinema and the creative, collaborative process of filmmaking via audio tours from film artists and scholars, curated augmented reality experiences, and more. It will both enhance the visit for museumgoers and reach a wide audience beyond the museum campus.
“We are tremendously grateful to our partners at Bloomberg Philanthropies who have made the full scope of our digital engagement possible.”
App helps visitors explore collection
The Academy Museum opened to the public in September 2021. It is the largest museum in the US dedicated to the world of filmmaking, with 50,000 square feet of exhibition spaces, two state-of-the-art theatres and an education studio. Visitors can also enjoy a restaurant and shop.
Guests can now visit the museum’s website, where they will find information about its current and upcoming exhibitions, as well as events such as film screening and public programs. There is also an Academy Awards History Timeline, digitised archival content and collection highlights.
Meanwhile, the new app, available on iOS and Android, expands on the museum’s Stories of Cinema collection, featuring audio tours narrated by actor Whoopi Goldberg and casting director Kim Coleman. The core curatorial tour, voiced by chief artistic and programming officer, Jacqueline Stewart, is available in English, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Japanese, and Korean.
Visitors can also experience AR technology, using the app on their own devices to bring to life items in the collection. Currently, they can use this to explore the temporary exhibition The Path to Cinema in more depth. Soon, the app will allow them to dissect famous scenes from films like Bruce Lee’s Enter the Dragon. In addition, the app features interactive maps to streamline the guest journey.
“The Academy Museum’s varied digital platforms provide dynamic ways to experience the collection and learn more about the storytellers, image-makers, and artists who contribute to the world of cinema,” says Katherine Oliver, a member of the Academy Museum Board and a media and entertainment principal with Bloomberg Associates, Bloomberg Philanthropies’ pro bono consultancy that works in cities around the world.
“Bloomberg Philanthropies is pleased to support this initiative, which will help expand the reach and impact of the museum.”
Last year, the Academy Museum announced that it was raising funds by selling Pillar Award NFTs designed by the Haas Brothers. The NFTs are moving renderings of the Pillar Award, featuring quotes from film industry leaders.
