National Gallery of Prague: Touching Masterpiece

Brand experience agency Geometry Prague and NeuroDigital, in collaboration with the Leontinka Foundation, has made art more accessible to the blind with an immersive VR experience using VR haptic glove technology.Three of the world's most iconic sculptural masterpieces Michelangelo's David, Venus de Milo and the bust of Nefertiti have been transformed into virtual objects which people can "see" through haptic glove technology for the very first time. The art experience is housed at the Touching Masterpieces exhibition, staged by Geometry at the National Gallery of Prague.

“Through curiosity, pursuit of innovation and a passion for creativity, we realized that specially-adapted haptic technology could open doors to a unique art experience for the blind. Our collaboration with NeuroDigital helped us fine tune haptic gloves to ‘see’ art through virtual reality touch,” said Geometry Prague’s Creative Director, Julia Dovlatova.

The haptic gloves control realistic hands in virtual space. When the virtual hand touches a 3D object in the virtual world, the technology identifies the object and sends feedback in the form of vibrations. The Avatar VR glove has been customized specifically for “Touching Masterpieces” and are enriched with multi-frequency technology able to stimulate different types of skin cells’ tactile responses – to provide the blind with the most accurate perception of the 3D virtual object.

“We founded our company to improve quality of life through disruptive technologies like virtual reality,” said NeuroDigital Founder and CEO, Luis Castillo. “When Geometry came to us with an idea to democratize our most advanced tech, we went all in. We’re very proud that this latest development of VR haptic gloves is helping to bring art to the visually impaired with real-life applications.”

Barbara Hucková, Executive Director of the Leontinka Foundation for the blind and visually impaired, commented: "Blind children are usually taught in school with relief aids and tactile pictures that far from accurately reflect reality. This new technology is an incredible breakthrough allowing pupils to touch what was absolutely unattainable before.”