Partnership with Google showcases Pure Michigan museum in new, interactive online exhibition

One of Michigan’s most unique and magical destinations – the American Museum of Magic in Marshall – is now being showcased to internet users across the globe as part of a new collaboration unveiled this week between the Google Cultural Institute and dozens of cultural institutions worldwide.

Called “the Smithsonian of American magic,” visitors can now explore online the largest collection of magic artifacts and magician life stories – from Houdini and Thurston to Michigan’s own Blackstone, among hundreds of others. Displays and 360 degree views are available to anyone, anywhere on mobile devices, tables or desktop computers.

“We are delighted to collaborate with so many of the world’s renowned performing arts institutions, representing the best in drama, dance, music, and opera,” said Amit Sood, director of the Google Cultural Institute. “For the first time, they’ve been brought together in one virtual space. Our goal is to open up performing arts to all, to catch the eye of the curious and offer access to details that even die-hard fans have never seen before.”

The museum is one of only 13 cultural institutions in the United States of 60+ total worldwide in this latest exhibition. Others include Carnegie Hall in New York City, the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, Tenn., Kennedy Performing Arts Center in Washington, D.C., and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London.

“This is an incredible project to be part of and we are honored to be in such esteemed company. Harnessing technology this way helps bring the wonders of magic from beyond our walls to national and international audiences,” said Museum Board of Directors Chair Susan Collins.

For more information and to view the entire cultural institute exhibit, visit g.co/performingarts. For the specific American Museum of Magic exhibit, visit www.google.com/culturalinstitute/collection/american-museum-of-magic

This builds upon past efforts with Google and Pure Michigan via Google Trekker to help introduce those around the world to some of the state’s most iconic destinations and natural resources via Street View in Google Maps. Attractions such as Mackinac Island, Sleeping Bear Dunes and the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore are now accessible and available.

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For questions about Google or the project, contact Patrick Lenihan lenihan@google.com. For questions about the American Museum of Magic or to connect with them, contact Sara Wurfel at 517-487-9320 or swurfel@truscottrossman.com, or visit the Museum’s Facebook page.