Objects in museum collections are often delicate and cannot be touched or looked at closely. This creates a disconnect between the visitor and the rich stories and context your organization is telling through those objects.
3D content and augmented reality (AR) is changing how museum visitors, researchers, and staff interact with collection objects.
Why limit yourself to objects behind glass? Bridge the gap by creating 3D models that let visitors view objects from any angle. Leverage zoom-in capabilities to explore fine details that would otherwise be overlooked. Call attention to the interpretive context of what makes an object integral to your collection.
With 3D modeling, historic homes, reconstructed rooms, gallery spaces, and delicate miniatures no longer need to be off-limits. Imagine a visitor standing in front of Abraham Lincoln's desk and also being able to manipulate a model of it on their mobile device in real time. Let them get a glimpse of the man behind the mythos.
Embedded 3D models in your mobile guides increase the amount of time spent in exhibits, and build a more meaningful connection between the people whose stories you are telling and those experiencing the story for the first time.
What is Sketchfab?
Sketchfab is the world’s largest platform to publish, share, buy, sell, and discover 3D content. It provides a viewer based on open-source web technologies that allow 3D models, AR, VR, and mixed reality content to be displayed online, in any mobile or desktop browser.
Sketchfab is used by hundreds of museums and cultural organizations to share 3D content with millions of people around the world. As of today, your organization can leverage the Sketchfab viewer in your Tourient mobile guides and self-guided tours. You can import your own models, or purchase models from other organizations and creators.
Why this matters
Tourient already supports 3D models, but with this integration, you now have access to millions of 3D models available for purchase on the Sketchfab marketplace.
With our Sketchfab integration, museums and other cultural organizations can make 3D content, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) experiences available for their visitors on the Tourient platform. Publishing 3D models of your collection objects on Sketchfab opens access to more than 6 million Sketchfab users, can generate additional revenue in licensing those models, and provides another means of telling better stories with Tourient.
Our support for rich text, images, video, embedded web apps, and other interactive media helps you build tours that tell engaging stories. The more context you can provide, the more meaningful you can make your museum experience for your visitors.
How to use the Sketchfab Integration with Tourient
3D models are available as standalone content blocks, or as part of Collection Object blocks.
Add a 3D model block or Collection Object block to your tour stop page.
Toggle Sketchfab to use the integration. You can still upload GLB models, but now you have the added convenience of using Sketchfab.
Once toggled, paste your Sketchfab model url into the field. Add a preview image and description to entice visitors into exploring the model.
Learn more about using Sketchfab at your organization by checking out their offerings for museums, including discounts of up to 50% off on plans.