The Louvre, an institution synonymous with timeless art and culture, is proving it’s just as comfortable embracing the future as it is preserving the past. For centuries, this iconic museum has been a guardian of human creativity, showcasing masterpieces from around the globe. But what makes the Louvre truly special is how it’s blending this deep respect for history with a forward-thinking attitude.

As the world’s largest and most visited museum, the Louvre could easily rest on its laurels, confident in its status as a cultural powerhouse. Instead, it’s taking bold strides into the digital age, finding new ways to share its treasures with everyone, no matter where they are or how they choose to experience art.

Whether it’s through ambitious digitization projects, virtual reality experiences, or collaborations with tech innovators, the Louvre is showing us that art isn’t just something to admire in a gallery — it’s something we can engage with in ways that feel fresh, exciting, and accessible. By embracing these changes, the museum is redefining how we connect with art while staying true to its roots as a steward of creativity across time.

Digitizing 482,000 Artworks

In a groundbreaking move, the Louvre announced its mission to digitize its entire collection, making over 482,000 artworks available online — free of charge. Whether it’s the famous Mona Lisa or lesser-known artifacts tucked away in storage, this initiative ensures anyone with an internet connection can explore the museum's holdings.

“The Louvre is dusting off all the treasures it possesses.”

— Jean-Luc Martinez, the Louvre's President-Director

By digitizing even the most obscure pieces, the museum invites the world to engage with art on a scale never seen before. It’s a remarkable step forward, especially considering the collection spans over two centuries of history.

For those unable to visit Paris, the Louvre offers a series of virtual tours, allowing art enthusiasts to wander its grand halls and admire its stunning galleries from home. These online experiences are a testament to the museum’s mission of making art accessible to all, regardless of geography.

*The Louvre offers a series of virtual tours online.*

Nintendo Audio Guides

Back in 2012, the Louvre realized traditional audio guides weren’t meeting visitor expectations — only 4% of guests used them. So, the museum teamed up with Nintendo to create an interactive guide for the Nintendo 3DS. This innovative device provided 3D maps, audio commentary, and interactive features to make exploring the museum engaging and intuitive, especially for younger, tech-savvy visitors.

Mona Lisa: Beyond the Glass

The Louvre’s digital initiatives don’t stop at online catalogs. In 2019, it launched its first virtual reality (VR) experience, Mona Lisa: Beyond the Glass. Designed as part of the Leonardo da Vinci retrospective, this immersive journey brought viewers face-to-face with da Vinci's masterpiece in a way traditional viewing can’t.

Participants stepped behind the protective glass and explored details hidden to the naked eye, including insights from new scientific research about the painting’s creation and history. It was a transformative way to experience one of the world’s most iconic artworks, highlighting how VR can deepen our understanding of art.

*Mona Lisa: Beyond the Glass VR Experience*

Augmented Reality Art at the Louvre

The Louvre isn’t just showcasing centuries-old masterpieces — it’s also a platform for contemporary digital art. In 2021, the museum participated in Digital Art Month, a festival celebrating augmented reality (AR) and video art.

Eliza SJ’s Bubbles, a real-time 3D simulation, was displayed at Le Carrousel du Louvre, blending cutting-edge technology with the grandeur of the museum’s surroundings. This collaboration underscored the Louvre's commitment to staying relevant in the digital era and embracing innovative mediums that speak to today’s audiences.

Louvre Museum

Founded in 1793, the Louvre in Paris has stood as a beacon of art and culture for centuries. Yet, its commitment to digital innovation demonstrates that even the most traditional institutions can evolve. The Louvre’s efforts show its dedication to staying innovative, ensuring its legacy remains vibrant for generations to come.