The Smithsonian Institute’s vast collection numbers over 137 million items, and of that only 2 percent is on display at one time. Despite many pieces being in storage, the Institute is making a concerted effort to share its bounty with the rest of the country by making copies available. Traditionally, sculptures and busts are copied using an arduous process of molding and casting. But the Smithsonian decided that using modern technology could be a better way to create museum quality replicas.
Using a Minolta laser scanner worth upwards of $100,000, sculptures, busts, and other items are scanned to create meticulous 3D models. The Smithsonian works with Studio EIS to create the scan, and then has the file printed by RedEye on Demand. Just like castings, the models are then treated with the appropriate patinas, paints and finishes to match the originals.
By replicating the pieces digitally, the Smithsonian is not only making copies easily available, but also slowly creating a 3D digital archive. The scans together make up an alternate digital Smithsonian which could keep artifact information safe should the originals be damaged, but also enables museums, schools, and other organizations unprecedented access to the museum’s collection.
+ Smithsonian Institute
Via CNET
Images ©Smithsonian 3D Digitization
