A Truly Free and Open Collection
The Metropolitan Museum of Art has placed over 400,000 art pieces in the public domain through its open access policy. Under the Met’s Open Access policy, anyone can freely copy, modify, and distribute the images included in Open Access collection. Search the Met’s Open Access collection through this link.
Under the Met’s Open Access policy, you can freely copy, modify, and distribute the images included in Open Access initiative. These art pieces contain an “OA” symbol below the frame displaying the art piece online, with an explanation of permitted usage. As all of the works made available through the open access initiative are in the public domain, it’s ok to print the images, use them in derivative work, and even just display them as is in your own web pages or projects.
Why the Open Access Initiative Exists
In its press discussion for the Open Access Initiative, the Metropolitan Museum of Art explained that the policy is another step in making its collection available to all. The Met boasts a collection of pieces that span 5000 years of history. With the open access initiative, the Metropolitan Museum of Art has made itself the largest open access museum in the world.
A Vast Collection
The collection covered by the open access initiative features hundreds of thousands of images, as well as a related information on the museum pieces themselves. As of this article, over 400,000 pieces are available for the public’s enjoyment. Every single art work considered by The Met to be in the public domain is included in the pieces made available by the Open Access policy.
How To Access the Collection
The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s official web site is the best way to enjoy and access its collection, including the art work covered by the Open Access policy. You may access the search page for open access pieces here.
Other Virtual Offerings
The Metropolitan Museum of Art recently released a video of its Medici Collection virtual launch. Visit the site to see it.
A Small Sampling
We went through the collection and selected some gems to share with all of you:
Above: A 4-set sleigh design by Herman Stahmer. 1888.
Above: The Harvesters, Pieter Bruegel the Elder. 1565.
Above: Landscape at Famars. Harpignies. 1863. (above)
Did you pay a visit to the open access collection? What did you think of it? Let us know your thoughts on The Met’s open access initiative in the comments below!