Digital Art at Musée d’Orsay

Written By DAB

Faced with a sharp decline in visitors during the pandemic’s upheaval in 2020, The Musée d’Orsay decided to gain back its popularity by embracing digital technologies and redefining how audiences experience art.

By utilizing blockchain technology and artificial intelligence, the Musée d’Orsay is not just recovering its audience but reshaping its role in the modern world.

From interactive AI projects to a groundbreaking partnership with the Tezos blockchain, the museum has integrated cutting-edge tools into its programming.

These initiatives are drawing in a new generation of art enthusiasts while re-engaging loyal visitors, proving that the Musée d’Orsay is as forward-thinking as the artists it celebrates.

Musée d’Orsay Enters Web3 

The Musée d’Orsay, known for its unparalleled collection of of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, has stepped boldly into the Web3 space, proving that even the most iconic institutions can innovate.

“We are a 19th-century museum. If we do not launch initiatives to talk differently, to represent ourselves differently, we will end up an old museum of a very old century — very, very fast.”
— Guillaume Roux, Director of Development and International Relations at the Musée d'Orsay

At the beginning of 2024, the Parisian landmark collaborated with Agoria, a French DJ, producer, and pioneer in generative art to present a groundbreaking exhibition titled Le code d’Orsay. 

Agoria, known for bringing together art, music, and blockchain technology, showcased two unique works developed on the Tezos blockchain. Σ Lumina, an interactive and poetic piece, invites audience participation, while Interpretation by Saccharomyces cerevisiae of The Painter's Studio by Gustave Courbet bridges the realms of art and science.

Beyond these visual pieces, Agoria has also composed a musical tribute to the museum with a full performance during his DJ set in the museum’s nave. This dual presentation highlights Agoria’s vision of uniting the digital and physical worlds, reflecting his philosophy that art and technology are inseparable.

NFTs and the Tezos Foundation Partnership

The Musée d’Orsay’s collaboration with the Tezos Foundation takes the museum’s digital evolution even further. Announced in October, this partnership integrates blockchain technology into the museum’s exhibitions, bringing its world-renowned collection into dialogue with on-chain digital artists.

The collaboration launched with Tezos-powered NFTs playing a pivotal role in a major exhibition, offering new ways for audiences to experience art while expanding the reach of crypto art. For the Tezos ecosystem, this partnership is a significant milestone, demonstrating the potential for blockchain technology to intersect with traditional art institutions on a global scale.

AI Brings Van Gogh to Life

In addition to embracing blockchain technology, the Musée d’Orsay is experimenting with artificial intelligence to create innovative visitor experiences. As part of the Van Gogh in Auvers-sur-Oise exhibition, the museum launched Hello Vincent, an interactive application developed by Jumbo Mana. This generative AI project allows visitors to converse with an AI-powered version of Vincent van Gogh, drawing on insights from 900 of his personal letters.

Through Hello Vincent, visitors can ask the painter about his inspirations, struggles, and creative process, engaging in a dialogue that feels both personal and profound. This initiative represents the museum’s commitment to using AI to deepen connections between art and its audience, offering cutting-edge technology for an educational experience.

The Musée d’Orsay

The Musée d’Orsay continues to evolve while honoring its rich history. Once a railway station, this architectural marvel has become a symbol of Parisian culture and ingenuity.

By embracing Web3, AI, and blockchain technology, the museum is not only adapting to the challenges of our time but also leading the charge in reimagining how we engage with art. The Parisian cultural gem is proving that tradition and innovation can go hand in hand.

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📝 Read on the blog our article that explores the ways Musée d’Orsay incorporates cutting-edge technology into their operations to attract new audiences. Faced with a sharp decline in visitors during the pandemic’s upheaval in 202
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