Lehigh University Art Galleries has launched Bloomberg Connects, a free mobile app that allows visitors to explore the museum’s collection both in person and remotely through photos, audio and video content.
The app, created by Bloomberg Philanthropies, provides access to information about current exhibitions, self-guided tours of gallery spaces and the museum’s outdoor sculpture collection. Features include interviews with artists, maps and accessibility resources such as audio descriptions and American Sign Language videos for selected works.
“Joining Bloomberg Connects represents a major step forward in fulfilling our mission to allow the broadest possible audience to connect with art,” said William Crow, LUAG director and professor of practice. “We believe that technology should serve as a bridge, not a barrier, and this app empowers our visitors – on campus and around the globe – to explore LUAG’s diverse collection and educational resources on their own terms.”
Museum guests can scan QR codes on signage to access content instantly without downloading the app. Those who prefer to plan ahead can download Bloomberg Connects from Google Play or the Apple App Store to preview the collection and map their visit.
The app includes multilingual capabilities through Google Translate and accessibility features including screen reader support, zoom, font size adjustment, transcripts, subtitles and alt-text.
LUAG has operated as the university’s free public art museum since 1926. Its permanent collection includes more than 20,000 works displayed across seven campus gallery spaces, with main galleries located inside Zoellner Arts Center. The museum also maintains 56 outdoor sculptures across campus and public exhibitions along the South Bethlehem Greenway.
The museum’s current exhibition, “Here and Now: 100 Years of LUAG, 100 Local Artists,” celebrates its centennial and runs through May 22.
Bloomberg Connects provides digital guides to hundreds of cultural organizations worldwide, including museums, galleries, sculpture parks and gardens.
Generative AI was used to structure and draft this story based on information provided by Lehigh University Art Galleries. It was reviewed and edited by lehighvalleylive.com staff.