# Engaging Youth Through Video Games: The Belvedere Museum’s “Art Leap” Initiative (Copy) **Date de l'événement :** 02/02/2025 * Publié le 09/10/2025 ### Galerie d'image ![belveder x roblox_eb5al_b3vuy.jpg](https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/memory-miacc.firebasestorage.app/o/prod%2FAWAgCCVMWK3hFgdeEHAY%2FprojectsMedias%2F230ZhOGha1BUKIQWkmk5%2Fthumbs%2Fbelveder%20x%20roblox_eb5al_b3vuy_1600x900.png?alt=media&token=a7da327d-a69a-4961-9012-b77d0f0226bf) ![belveder x roblox 2_k646k_y3xau.jpg](https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/memory-miacc.firebasestorage.app/o/prod%2FAWAgCCVMWK3hFgdeEHAY%2FprojectsMedias%2F230ZhOGha1BUKIQWkmk5%2Fthumbs%2Fbelveder%20x%20roblox%202_k646k_y3xau_1600x900.png?alt=media&token=e21c0065-da4c-403c-b07e-c99f9d673b6e) ![belveder x roblox 3_zybgy_plu8k.jpg](https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/memory-miacc.firebasestorage.app/o/prod%2FAWAgCCVMWK3hFgdeEHAY%2FprojectsMedias%2F230ZhOGha1BUKIQWkmk5%2Fthumbs%2Fbelveder%20x%20roblox%203_zybgy_plu8k_1600x900.png?alt=media&token=7576dc12-bf73-4802-890c-5afe32e55e48) ## Article Engaging Youth Through Video Games: The Belvedere Museum’s “Art Leap” Initiative -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ### Stella Rollig, General Director of the Belvedere, on ‘Art Leap’ and the Rising Influence of Video Games in Museum Storytelling. ![undefined](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F8e180757-9b28-448a-b1d7-20cdb6aae0d6_2880x1268.jpeg) View of the Upper Belvedere Palace during the blue hour, Vienna, Austria. Diego Delso, [delso.photo](http://delso.photo/), License [CC BY-SA](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/legalcode) _The Belvedere Museum in Vienna, Austria, is one of the most renowned art museums in Europe. Housed in a stunning Baroque palace complex, it features an extensive collection of Austrian art from the Middle Ages to contemporary works. The museum is best known for its Gustav Klimt collection, including the iconic painting The Kiss. It also showcases masterpieces by Egon Schiele, Oskar Kokoschka, and other notable artists. With its impressive architecture and landscaped gardens, the Belvedere is a cultural landmark blending history and artistic excellence._ ![undefined](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1a6febad-a524-4894-89a2-e83d2ad301a3_1920x1927.jpeg) The Kiss (Der Kuß). Gustav Klimt (1862–1918) _We talked with Stella Rollig, its General Director, about the recent release of [Art Leap](https://www.belvedere.at/en/art-leap-roblox), marking the museum’s entry into the world of video games._ _This initiative reflects a growing trend among museums to engage younger audiences through high-tech innovations. In January 2025, the Metropolitan Museum of Art launched [Art Links](https://www.metmuseum.org/fr/hubs/art-links), a blockchain-based game where players connect artworks by identifying common themes to earn digital collectibles. New challenges are released weekly, with a total of 12 chains available through April 10, 2025._ _In August 2023, the Metropolitan Museum of Art also partnered with Verizon to introduce [Replica](https://www.metmuseum.org/perspectives/met-metaverse-replica), allowing visitors to scan artworks and integrate digital replicas into Roblox as avatar accessories. Similarly, the British Museum collaborated with The Sandbox in 2023 to create [immersive experiences and digital collectibles](https://nftnow.com/news/the-british-museum-collaborates-with-the-sandbox-to-enter-the-metaverse/), making its vast collections accessible within the metaverse._ _Additionally, the [Maison NABI](https://www.nabiya.io/nabiya-is-taking-the-world-renowned-museum-of-textile-into-the-metaverse/) inaugurated a virtual space in March 2023, in partnership with the Musée des Tissus de Lyon, offering over 18,000 unique visitors an immersive, gamified experience exploring the art of silk._ _We could also mention the French project “[Métavers du patrimoine](https://www.polytechnique-insights.com/en/columns/digital/museum-metaverses-promise-to-redefine-the-cultural-experience/)” launched in 2023, aims to digitize artworks and integrate them into collaborative virtual worlds, providing new forms of engagement for younger audiences. This project reflects a broader movement among cultural institutions to embrace digital transformation and meet the evolving expectations of the public._ _But let’s go back to Stella Rollig, Belvedere General Director and the “Art Leap” initiative._ ![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4e1b759e-6743-4689-8fa4-79ecfe00e988_3543x4724.jpeg) Stella Rollig, Belvedere General Director. Photo: Gianmaria Gava / Belvedere, Vienna **What motivated the Belvedere Museum to step into the world of Roblox?** Was this a strategic move to engage younger audiences, or part of a broader digital transformation? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Belvedere Museum’s decision to launch Art Leap on Roblox aligns with its broader digital transformation strategy, which aims to make art more accessible, interactive, and engaging—particularly for younger audiences. By integrating innovative media like gaming, AR, and immersive experiences, the museum seeks to spark curiosity and foster a lasting appreciation for art in a digital world. With Art Leap, the Belvedere leverages Roblox’s vast user base to introduce masterpieces in a dynamic, gamified way, reinforcing its commitment to digital education, audience expansion, and cultural innovation. ![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3aa3d27a-e570-4f41-be94-3e7ec4772d9d_5471x4102.jpeg) **How many people within the museum were involved in making this project a reality? Could you walk us through the timeline of this project?** What were the challenges in bringing a museum experience into a gaming environment? --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The project involved a cross-functional team within Belvedere, including digital strategy experts and education specialists. Early on, we developed the concept very openly with our game developers, who used their expertise to challenge our ideas. Planning and conceptualization began in February 2024, with a focus on identifying key artworks that would translate well into an immersive gaming experience. Development took place in collaboration with Exclusible and Playerthree, experienced game studios specializing in interactive cultural experiences. The game was soft-launched in mid-December 2024, allowing for early user feedback and tweaks before the official launch in 2025. With the expertise of our game developers, we designed the game from the player's perspective (rather than the museum's). We started by thinking about fun games to create, and later added "fun facts" about art. Another key challenge was to implement child protection measures to create a safe and age-appropriate environment within the game space. ![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0342ee8e-fae5-47b7-86a1-cacfd7492775_2796x1290.jpeg) **The numbers so far are impressive, with over 300,000 players.** What insights have you gathered from the audience response? Are visitors interacting with art as you had envisioned, and what surprises have emerged? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We are now (12.2.2024) already at over 480,000 visits, with up to 6,000 a day. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with Art Leap achieving a 97% approval rating from players and attracting users from 117 countries. Key insights indicate that gamification successfully enhances engagement with art, making it more approachable for younger audiences. The time spent in-game (6-8 minutes per session) suggests a high level of interest and immersion. One surprising outcome has been the organic growth of the game within the Roblox community, demonstrating a strong appetite for interactive cultural experiences among digital-native users. ![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa7ec7b4a-e8bc-44b6-a35e-69eebd2ceeae_844x250.png) [https://www.roblox.com/games/79071834805702/Art-Leap-by-Belvedere-Museum](https://www.roblox.com/games/79071834805702/Art-Leap-by-Belvedere-Museum) **How does the partnership with Roblox work?** Was it a purely technical collaboration, or was there shared creative input between the museum and the platform? --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The collaboration was primarily between the Belvedere and the development partners Exclusible and Playerthree, who specialize in bringing cultural content to gaming platforms. While Roblox provided the ecosystem, the creative input came from the Belvedere’s education team, ensuring that the artistic and historical integrity of the featured artworks was maintained. The development studios played a crucial role in translating this vision into an engaging gameplay experience. ![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fadb72396-1290-48d8-9ebc-1590ef186089_1772x2362.jpeg) What key performance indicators (KPIs) have you set to measure the success of Art Leap? Beyond player numbers, how do you assess its impact on engagement, brand visibility, or even visitor conversion to the physical museum? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The main KPIs include: · Player engagement metrics (number of visits, session duration, return rates) · User feedback & rating (97% positive so far) · Global reach (players from 117 countries) · Social media & press visibility (measuring the impact of digital storytelling) · Creating one of the first points of contact with art and our museum, which would later translate into a desire to visit the originals. **Could the success of Art Leap lead to new forms of engagement at the Belvedere?** Are there ideas to bring Roblox players into the museum, either physically or through other digital initiatives? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Yes, the museum is actively exploring further ways to connect digital audiences with its physical spaces. In addition to _Art Leap_ on Roblox, the Belvedere is already developing _Mission Museum_, an interactive game launching in mid-2025. As a continuation of the augmented reality game _The Fantastic Palastics_, this interactive experience will guide families through the Upper Belvedere, combining real-world art exploration with digital interactions and augmented reality. This project further demonstrates the museum’s commitment to blending cultural heritage with innovative technology, making art more accessible and engaging for younger audiences. **Does this initiative mark the beginning of a larger effort to bring young audiences closer to the museum world?** How do you see gaming and digital experiences shaping the future of museum outreach? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Absolutely. The Belvedere views gaming and immersive digital experiences as essential tools for engaging younger generations. This aligns with its broader strategy, which includes projects like augmented reality experiences, digital audioguides, and interactive storytelling formats. We see digital experiences as complementary rather than competitive to traditional museum visits, helping to make art and culture more accessible and relevant. ![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5cac3778-72e4-4091-9a75-b74629bc7e07_4726x3543.jpeg) **Were there any internal discussions about ethical considerations when entering the gaming space?** For instance, data privacy, audience safety, or concerns around balancing commercial and cultural objectives? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Yes, ethical considerations played a crucial role in the project’s development. Child protection measures were implemented to ensure a safe and age-appropriate environment on Roblox. Additionally, the museum prioritized cultural and educational value over commercial aspects, ensuring that _Art Leap_ remains a free and accessible experience. Data privacy and ethical digital engagement continue to be guiding principles in the Belvedere’s digital strategy. **Do you envision expanding further into the metaverse beyond Roblox, or developing other innovative digital experiences in the near future?** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The success of _Art Leap_ reinforces our commitment to digital innovation. The Belvedere is already engaged in multiple digital projects, including AI applications, augmented reality, NFT, and virtual exhibitions. Expansion into other metaverse platforms or additional gaming experiences is a possibility, depending on technological developments and audience demand. We are keen on exploring new ways to make art more interactive and engaging through emerging digital technologies. **_Interview by Benjamin Benita_** ### Date 02/02/2025 **Format :** `#Texte` **Lien :** [Lien de l'article](https://museumweek2h1r4.substack.com/p/engaging-youth-through-video-games) ### ICC `#Patrimoine et Arts visuels` --- ### Navigation pour IA - [Index de tous les contenus](https://www.miacc.fr/llms.txt) - [Plan du site (Sitemap)](https://www.miacc.fr/sitemap.xml) - [Retour à l'accueil](https://www.miacc.fr/)