Musée d’Orsay Adapts to the Crypto Age
Despite the uncertainties of the Covid pandemic, the Musée d’Orsay has not shied away from innovation. The museum has joined forces with the Tezos Foundation in a unique year-long partnership aimed at integrating blockchain-backed artworks and on-chain digital artists in conversation with the museum’s esteemed collections and exhibitions.
NFTs and the Van Gogh Exhibit
The collaboration kicks off with the museum’s forthcoming exhibition, “Van Gogh in Auvers-sur-Oise: The Final Months,”. The exhibition, which portrays the final two months of the renowned Dutch painter’s life, will see the museum offering on-chain digital souvenirs to its visitors.
Two types of souvenirs will be available: an augmented reality piece showcasing Van Gogh’s final palette, and an original digital artwork influenced by Van Gogh and developed by KERU, a French blockchain culture project. A total of 2,300 NFTs of each will be created and sold for €20 each.
Engaging Audiences beyond the Museum
The Musée d’Orsay plans to venture further into the realm of blockchain technology, hosting conferences and educational initiatives showcasing emerging technologies. By early 2024, the museum aims to invite digital artists who work on the blockchain to create NFT collections inspired by the artwork in the Orsay’s permanent collection.
Embracing New Initiatives
Despite regaining pre-pandemic levels of visitors, some urgency remains. Guillaume Roux, the Orsay’s director of development, emphasized the necessity of launching initiatives to communicate and represent the museum differently to avoid becoming outdated quickly. This move into the world of NFTs is seen as part of that strategy.
Key Points
What is the purpose of Musée d’Orsay’s NFT initiative?
The museum’s NFT initiative aims to draw in new audiences, especially young people, by merging the traditional world of art with the technology-driven world of blockchain and NFTs.
How will the partnership with the Tezos Foundation kick off?
The partnership will begin by offering on-chain digital souvenirs affiliated with the upcoming “Van Gogh in Auvers-sur-Oise: The Final Months” exhibition.
What’s next for Musée d’Orsay in the blockchain space?
The museum plans to host educational programs exploring blockchain technology and invite digital artists to create NFT collections inspired by the museum’s permanent collection.
