Museums and 3D Printing: More Than a Workshop Novelty, Connecting to Collections and the Classroom

Abstract

EDITOR'S SUMMARYA typical museum visitor views an artwork for about half a minute, but 3D scanning and printing technology can help provide a more meaningful experience. Several museums have invited audiences to hands‐on 3D scanning and printing events, encouraging them to engage with museum pieces more deeply, creating 3D photo files and ultimately constructing 3D printed models of the pieces that can be manipulated and interacted with in new ways. The ARTLAB+ program in Washington, D.C., and the Parachute Factory in New Mexico are examples of makerspaces focusing on hands‐on activities with cutting edge technologies including 3D printers for a variety of users. A special exhibit on 3D technology at the British Museum and Samsung Digital Discovery Center enabled visitors to recreate museum pieces with computer‐aided design technology, 3D pens and 3D printing. A resource list describes additional projects and information sources.