Just in time for summer visitors, the Walker Art Center recently launched a
new website and free mobile app for its well-loved Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.
Developed as part of the museum's 25th anniversary, the website revamp includes a wealth of information about the sculpture garden and its artworks. Users can download the smartphone app directly from the site, and use the app's GPS technology to navigate the sculptures.
Video and audio content conveys general information about the Sculpture Garden's history, as well as interesting factual tidbits about each sculpture. The app also includes short interviews with visitors, community members, and prominent local personalities, such as Minneapolis mayor R.T. Rybak.
Andrew Blauvelt, the Walker's Chief of Communications and Audience Engagement, says that the museum and garden's Art on Call program -- which allows visitors to use cellphones for accessing guided audio tours -- is still available. The new app doesn't replace that service, it simply broadens access, Blauvelt believes.
"It's fitting that the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, which was a truly cutting-edge idea of putting art outdoors in the city, now boasts the Walker's first mobile app, putting interpretation in the hands and pockets of our visitors," he notes.
The redesigned website, spare but informative, highlights different garden events such as the popular Rock the Garden music festival in June and Avant Garden, the end-of-season fundraiser with cocktails and fine dining. An interactive map also helps visitors to pinpoint specific sculptures and access tour guide comments, a visual description, and thoughts from garden visitors.
Source: Andrew Blauvelt, Walker Art Center
Writer: Elizabeth Millard