Scan the World might be one of the only institutions where visitors are encouraged to handle the most-valued sculptures and artifacts from art history. The open-source museum hosts an impressive archive of 18,000 digital scans—the eclectic collection spans artworks like the “Bust of Nefertiti,” the “Fourth Gate of Vaubam Fortress,” and Michaelangelo’s “David” in addition to other items like chimpanzee skulls—that are available for download and 3D printing in a matter of hours.

Searchable by collection, artist, and location, Scan the World recently teamed up with Google Arts and Culture, which partners with more than 2,000 institutions, to add thousands of additional pieces to the platform. Each page shares information about an artifact’s history and location, in addition to technical details like dimensions, complexity, and time to print—scroll down on to view images of finished pieces uploaded by the community, too. While much of the collection focuses on Western art, it’s currently bolstering two sections that explore works from India and China.

Scan the World is part of My Mini Factory, which is the largest platform for 3D-printed objects. If you’re new to the process, check out the site’s wide range of tutorials, including tips for beginnershow to scan with your phone, and techniques for using drones to capture hard-to-reach works. (via Open Culture)

 

Download and 3D-Print 18,000 Artifacts from Art History through Scan the World

Download and 3D-Print 18,000 Artifacts from Art History through Scan the World

Left: “Mars and Venus.” Right: “Marble Head from a Herm

©

Related Posts

Download and 3D-Print 18,000 Artifacts from Art History through Scan the WorldDownload and 3D-Print 18,000 Artifacts from Art History through Scan the World
It’s all in the process: Tom Fereday’s...
The finished product is usually what we see. But sometimes,...
Read more
Vini Jr. of Brazil celebratesVini Jr. of Brazil celebrates
How to watch the 2024 Copa America...
TL;DR: Live stream every Brazil match from the 2024 Copa...
Read more
Download and 3D-Print 18,000 Artifacts from Art History through Scan the WorldDownload and 3D-Print 18,000 Artifacts from Art History through Scan the World
Touring The Commons with Foolscap Studio
Watch the video with Adele Winteridge here! Coworking leaders The Commons...
Read more
Download and 3D-Print 18,000 Artifacts from Art History through Scan the WorldDownload and 3D-Print 18,000 Artifacts from Art History through Scan the World
This barebones motorcycle is a crazy mashup...
Most concept bikes are picture-perfect, streamlined and flawless but then...
Read more
Download and 3D-Print 18,000 Artifacts from Art History through Scan the WorldDownload and 3D-Print 18,000 Artifacts from Art History through Scan the World
Meet the $80k MV Agusta superbike that...
I don’t know about you, but I can almost spot...
Read more
Download and 3D-Print 18,000 Artifacts from Art History through Scan the WorldDownload and 3D-Print 18,000 Artifacts from Art History through Scan the World
Momentum Studio’s Perpetual Calendar Clicks Into Each...
Most people check the date by glancing at a phone,...
Read more