Meta and Pinacoteca di Brera launch AI-glasses art tour for blind visitors
Meta, Pinacoteca di Brera and EssilorLuxottica have launched a pilot for blind and low-vision visitors. The tour uses AI glasses to provide audio descriptions of eight artworks, with visits available by reservation.
Meta, Pinacoteca di Brera and EssilorLuxottica have launched “Sensing Art – Discovering Masterpieces Beyond What Meets the Eye” at Milan’s Pinacoteca di Brera. The pilot is designed to make art more accessible to blind and low-vision visitors.
Visitors can activate artwork recognition through AI glasses and hear descriptions via built-in open-ear speakers. The itinerary covers eight selected artworks, with short orientation tracks between them.
Artwork descriptions and additional tools
The glasses are integrated with the existing Grande Brera app, which provides an audio guide for visitors with sight loss. The descriptions use the DescriVedendo method to translate artworks’ shapes, compositions and visual details into spoken language.
Visitors can also ask Meta AI about the context and surrounding environment. Be My Eyes connects them through the glasses with sighted volunteers and qualified operators for real-time help with orientation and practical tasks.
The pilot was shaped with visitors
The project was developed through testing and consultation with blind and visually impaired people. Italy’s ANS, UICI and Fondazione Istituto dei Ciechi di Milano also took part in the collaboration.
The tour is available by reservation. Visitors can use the glasses Tuesday through Friday, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CEST (08:00–14:30 UTC), by emailing educazione@pinacotecadibrera.org with the requested date, time and any specific requirements.
What we know
- A Pinacoteca di Brera pilot uses AI glasses to expand access to art.
- The itinerary includes eight artworks with audio descriptions based on the DescriVedendo method.
- Meta AI and Be My Eyes are available as additional visitor tools.
- The glasses can be used Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CEST by reservation.
Trust: Primary source
- The story cites a primary statement. It establishes what its author said, but does not guarantee every claim is true.
- Sources: Meta Newsroom.
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