Google Arts and Culture teamed up with over 1,300 museums, galleries, historical sites and collections around the world to digitize their collections and make online tours and exhibits available online at no cost to viewers.
“Street View, by Google Maps, is a virtual representation of our surroundings on Google Maps, consisting of millions of panoramic images. Street View’s content comes from two sources – Google and contributors. Through our collective efforts, we enable people everywhere to virtually explore the world.”
In 2008 IBM unveiled “The Forbidden City: Beyond Space & Time“, $3 million fully immersive 3D-Internet virtual recreation of the architecture and artifacts of the former palace grounds.
360-degree views bring you through the Meridian Gate, Golden Water Bridges, Gate of Supreme Harmony, Tianhedian Square, Hall of Supreme Harmony, Hall of Middle Harmony, Hall of Preserving Harmony, Palace of Benevolent Tranquility, Imperial Garden, Hall of Imperial Peace and the Pavilion of Ten Thousand Springs.
Turn on your speakers to take in the soothing sounds of Peruvian folk music as you explore Machu Picchu. Click between zone sites and zoom in to get a closer look. If you have a head mounted device, you can explore in VR mode.
Tour the pyramids with this creative approach to virtual tourism. A cartoon character educates you as you tour the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Pyramid of Khafre and the Pyramid of Menkaure.
Asilia Safari runs safaris in Tanzania’s Ruaha National Park. They’ve made 12 virtual tours available for viewing from the comfort of your couch, including a pride of lion feasting, a sunset of Ruaha and a boating trip down the Selous River.
Take a diver’s underwater perspective to explore the Galapagos Islands, Turks and Caicos, Monaco and 26 countries around the world. XL Caitlin offers 60,000 still panorama shots spanning over 633 miles / 1,020 kilometers of the ocean.
The Cliffs of Moher Tourism Board offers two types of virtual experiences: a 360° Inside Tour & virtual tour. The 360° Inside Tour is a Google walkthrough where you “walk” along a path and choose where you go. The virtual tour offers views from different look out points along the cliff.
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