Google and Versailles launch largest VR photogrammetry tour of the palace

Google Culture has partnered with the Château de Versailles to create the most extensive photogrammetry project ever undertaken on the monument, covering 21 rooms and approximately 36,000 square meters of interior surfaces. The virtual reality tour, accessible via HTC Vive and Oculus Rift systems, was built from over 4 terabytes of data collected by Google, allowing users to explore minute details of sculptures, paintings, and precious materials throughout the palace. The app description notes that tapestries, paintings, ceilings, sculptures, and furniture are all within reach of the controller, and a night mode lets visitors explore the palace lit only by fireplace light. For those without VR headsets, an online exhibition featuring about 400 objects—including artworks and artifacts—with audio tours recorded by experts is also available.