Close Ups

Get up close and personal with SAM!

Visitors to the Seattle Art Museum not only have access to new, dynamic galleries and public space, but also new technologies that enhance the museum experience. More than 100 works of art from the museum's collections have been selected for an in-depth interpretive project called Close Ups. Visitors are able to use web-based materials to explore SAM's collections, download audio tours and learn what others think about works of art before coming to the museum. On site, interactive computer stations and an audio tour illuminate works of art through the personal anecdotes and insights of artists, scholars, and cultural leaders. Learning and discovery can continue after leaving SAM by accessing the museum's website and creating virtual exhibitions based on artworks from the museum's collection.

Soon you'll be able to visit SAM’s collection online to learn more about works of art by reading, watching and listening to the insights of artists, scholars, cultural leaders and many others.

My SAM Collection will allow you to create your own virtual exhibition of objects from SAM or let others know what you think about a particular work of art.

		Find Close Ups in the museum—look for these symbols on the SAM map and in the galleries.

• SAMtalks
  Download or stream audio files, including museum tours and in-depth information about works of art, to your computer, phone or iPod.
• Audio Guide
  Use the Close Ups audio guide while at the museum to access rich and intimate stories about objects in SAM’s collection.
• In-gallery Computer Stations
  Watch videos of artists working, listen to music that relates to a work of art and learn more about the historical context in which the objects were created.

Funding for the Close Ups project is provided by the The Getty Foundation and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.