In 2018 Google developed and launched a digital project called Pocket Galleries. Designed to appeal to those with an interest in arts and culture, but unable to visit galleries, this platform was only accessible if you had an AR-capable smartphone.

That is no longer the case, however, as Google has announced that Pocket Galleries are freely accessible online and viewable on desktop or mobile.

To check out the curated galleries available, such as Klimt vs. Klimt (seen in the header image), all you need to do is visit Google’s Arts and Culture website and begin exploring.

“Today, we are making the entire series of Pocket Galleries available to anyone on the web, meaning they can now be explored on desktop and on mobiles with or without AR capabilities,” explains Joe Shepherd, Associate Product Manager for Google Arts and Culture.

“Zoom-in even closer to uncover the hidden detail of the artworks, right down to the brushstrokes. In some galleries, an audio tour will also guide you through the highlights of the exhibitions,” he adds.

Given that public spaces are still under some level of restriction locally, along with international travel being difficult depending on what list SA is on, Pocket Galleries could prove handy for those who want to explore great works of art.

It does not beat seeing the genuine thing in person, but given the current circumstances, is a nice alternative.

Along with being accessible online for desktop or mobile, Pocket Galleries is also available as an iOS or Android app for viewing on an augmented reality device, to mimic the experience of walking around a gallery.

If you’re wanting something a bit more local, Google also recently announced the Cradle of Creativity portal to highlight African art and history, which you want to check out online.