The Google Art Project

Totally agree, I just checked out the MET in NYC (on google) and it was fantastic, considering I was there a few weeks back (in person) I think it's a great start by google. AJ

I think that's a magnificent idea for people who maybe can't make it to the museum.

@BroadwayBK It is indeed a fabulous effort but wonder if it will affect museum visits in the long run.

I don't think it would decrease people going to the museum's, rather I think would increase people's interest in them. Did anyone notice that you can 'right-click' on the images in the museum's and turn on 3D mode? I don't have a pair of red\blue glasses to view the 3D in action, but it's an awesome idea.

I can see Google rolling this out to tour any point of interest? Shopping mall? Tourist attractions? School and house tours?

Wow, is all I can really say. It is an incredible experience. Thanks for sharing with us BroadwayBK.

@JVS I dunno. I can see security issues coming into play, especially when it comes to navigating schools. Although this is certainly a jumping off point for Google... @uptowngirl I don't think it'll put people off visiting museums. After all, you can see photos of just about any masterpiece via a Google image search, and yet people still flock to experience such works in person.

@JVS I tend to agree with NeverSleeps the security issue will be an important consideration especially at schools since in recent years they have been at the center stage of so many deranged shooting incidents. Though it would really be a fabulous medium to market a school to a foreign student body.

@AJ I think you're right - browsing museums online left me more interested in visiting them rather than felling like I'd satisfied the urge. Did not see the 3D option, but I knew I should have kept the glasses I got when I saw Tron Legacy! @everyone I'd like it if Google rolled out a Google Greenmarket Project, that way I can browse the offerings and determine if a visit is worth any extensive train rides.

I also think having the images online is a great complement to the museum's presentation of the works in person - and agree that it only brings more interest to the works. Would be great if more museums had this - if you're interested in Warhols for example, you could virtual-visit several museums across the country looking for them before you go through the expense of traveling there.

@BroadwayBK That would be brilliant wouldn't it and not too intrusive either in terms of privacy or security issues.

Oh this is the coolest thing! So very amazing! Thanks for sharing - there go my work plans for this evening...