Museums of the Future (2029 after a major disease outbreak that nearly destroys mankind)

Art museums today often perceived to be a place of privilege, with its own set of rules and conduct. To the more famous museums, people flock from all over the world just to get a glance at famous artworks. Yes, just a glance. We cannot touch, smell or even get close to any of these works because they are fragile and valuable.

However, this all changed with the A.T.O.M. cards we were designated: Collapse, Disease, Artwork and Optimism.

I imagined a world ravenged by a rare disease that has been hibernating in oil paint for centuries. It slowly seems out, infecting and slowly killing patrons of famous museums around the world. The world begins to collapse. In order to contain the disease, a scientist discovers that a specially-formulated thick white paint can contain the disease within the work. In order to save mankind, all works are painted over, and overnight, entire museums completely white. The remaining humans are able to freely roam the museum, and emerge with a sense of optimism.

The museum immediately after the aftermath. Eerily quiet and completely “blank.”

Over time, digital records of past artworks are found in archives and projected over their now-painted-over-medium. Artists can begin to animate formerly existing art by other artists to create new works. Stories can be told in a more interactive way.

With artifacts and sculptures, people can interact with them in a new way as well. Touch becomes a newly available activity at the museum.

Removing the sense of fragility and preciousness from art makes museums a new kind of creative space for people to interact in and enjoy.