Louvre to Launch VR Experience for Mona Lisa's 500th Anniversary

The Louvre in Paris will present Mona Lisa: Beyond the Glass, its first virtual reality experience, opening October 24, 2019, as part of a major Leonardo da Vinci exhibition running through February 24, 2020. Created in collaboration with HTC VIVE Arts, the VR experience allows visitors to interact with the Mona Lisa in a virtual space using HTC VIVE headsets, revealing hidden details and Leonardo's techniques. A home version will be available on VIVEPORT and other VR platforms, enabling global audiences to explore the Louvre virtually. The project was developed with the Louvre's curatorial team and includes access to other Leonardo works. Dominique de Font-Réaulx, Director of the Louvre's Department of Interpretation and Cultural Programming, stated the experience aims to help the public better understand the Mona Lisa beyond myths and legends. The exhibition marks the 500th anniversary of Leonardo's death, with additional initiatives by Royal Mail and Italian Post issuing commemorative stamps.