Author Archives: Marie Mustel

Go on a cultural rendezvous with “Art For Two”

If you don’t work for a cultural institution, you’ve probably never had the opportunity to wander all alone through a museum’s hallways, exhibition spaces and galleries, after hours, with no one else around. That’s a privilege usually reserved for staff—until now. 


In the first installment of Google Arts & Culture’s new video series called “Art for Two”, curators from three cultural institutions are extending a special invitation to explore their collections, minus the crowds, as they discuss their favorite rooms and pieces with digital curators Mr. Bacchus and The Art Assignment.


You'll hear from the experts themselves: The director of the Museo d’Arte Orientale shows his favorite figurine and explains why it’s unusual. Sit at an antique kitchen table with Olivier Gabet, director of the Musée des arts décoratifs, or learn more about what makes Lucio Fontana’s installation at the Galleria Civica di Arte Moderna e Contemporanea so special.
Marco Guglielminotti Trivel, director of the Museo d’Arte Orientale meets digital curator Mr. Bacchus

Marco Guglielminotti Trivel, director of the Museo d’Arte Orientale meets digital curator Mr. Bacchus

Still itching to explore more? Another new series called “Perspectives” invites you to learn about important cultural destinations through the eyes and with the commentary of an inspirational guide. For the first edition, Grammy-nominated Indian-American artist Raja Kumari takes us on a personal ride to temples in India, including the famous Mahabalipuram—a cultural jewel and popular tourist destination, referred to as “Sculpture by the Sea.”

Raja Kumari shows you the Temples of India

Raja Kumari shows you the Temples of India

Travel isn't just about checking things off your bucket list. At a slow “couch travel” pace, Quiet Journeys, accompanied by the soothing sound of classical music, will help you relax and drift off into museums and masterpieces from all around the world.


“Art for Two”, ”Perspectives” and “Quiet Journeys” are the latest additions to our growing library of video formats that connect art and culture in new and unexpected ways. Check out Art Zoom to explore masterpieces through the eyes of famous musicians, and other videos on the Google Arts & Culture YouTube channel


Discover more on Google Arts & Culture—or download our free app for iOS or Android.

Explore the angst and beauty in famous works of art

The “Mona Lisa” is probably the most famous painting in art history. But what’s the second most famous? It could very well be  “The Scream” by Edvard Munch. The image has withstood the test of time to become a modern icon, inspiring the famous ‘90s horror film series and even an emoji you may have used on occasion.


In time for Munch’s birthday on Dec. 12, Google Arts & Culture invited YouTube Music rising star Girl in Red to give us her take on the howling cultural icon. It’s the latest in our Art Zoom video series, where pop musicians bring their storytelling lens to masterpieces from art history. And who better than Marie Ulven (aka Girl in Red), who sings about a “pretty face with pretty bad dreams,” to take us through “The Scream’s” hidden details? Follow her and get down to brushstroke level, zooming in and out of the image thanks to our Art Camera’s high-resolution capabilities.
Art Zoom: Girl in Red x Edvard Munch

On a slightly less angsty note, we asked Lolo Zouai, a newcomer on the international R&B scene, to take us on a cheeky tour of Botticcelli’s “Birth of Venus.” If you’ve ever wondered about the story behind the beautiful woman in the giant shell, now you can just click to learn all about about the Uffizi Gallery’s most famous painting.

Art Zoom: Lolo Zouaï x Sandro Botticelli

Give us a shout (or a scream) if you’d like to see more of these collaborations, and join the conversation on #artzoom.