The Louvre's First VR Experience Mona Lisa: Beyond the Glass (2019)

Mona Lisa: Beyond the Glass is a virtual reality experience that brings to life the story of the Mona Lisa, the iconic masterpiece by artist Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519).

It is the first VR experience presented by the Louvre and is on display in the museum’s seminal retrospective exhibition, Leonardo da Vinci, which commemorates the 500th anniversary of da Vinci’s death in France, on view in the Hall Napoléon from October 24, 2019 to February 24, 2020. An extended version of the VR experience is available for download through VIVEPORT and other online platforms, for audiences across the globe.

Seen by more than 20,000 people each day, the Mona Lisa is kept in protective casing due to its fragility.

Through VR, the Louvre is now able to feature this world’s best-known painting in its retrospective of da Vinci’s work, while offering visitors a chance to experience the iconic image as never before.

Incorporating new scientific research, Mona Lisa: Beyond the Glass reveals details invisible to the naked eye, as well as providing insight into the techniques da Vinci used, and the identity of his sitter.