X

Google Open Gallery brings the art to you

The tool allows artists, museums, archives, and galleries to create online exhibits for your viewing pleasure.

Don Reisinger
CNET contributor Don Reisinger is a technology columnist who has covered everything from HDTVs to computers to Flowbee Haircut Systems. Besides his work with CNET, Don's work has been featured in a variety of other publications including PC World and a host of Ziff-Davis publications.
Don Reisinger
Google

Art fanatics soon will have a new place to go to appreciate fine work.

Google Open Gallery launched on Tuesday, promising artists, museums, archives, and galleries the ability to create online exhibits. The service is available by invitation only at the moment, but it will be home to all kinds of artwork, Google says.

Google Open Gallery integrates into an organization's Web site, allowing users to view different pieces within the exhibit. The gallery also includes a feature for site owners to add more information about the exhibit, providing details similar to those which would be displayed in an actual showroom. Museums that don't have a Web site can create one for free through the Open Gallery tool.

Some early Open Gallery exhibitors already have integrated the service on their Web sites. Google is allowing those in the art field to request an invitation, though it hasn't said how many it will accept.