Cultour.digital: worldwide association of museums and cultural institutions

A unique platform www.cultour.digital combines the offerings of individual cultural institutions into a joint digital package. Following the launch in Europe, the platform will also go online in Asia and the USA.

During an online press conference, the Benedictine Abbey of Admont in Upper Styria presented a world first: www.cultour.digital is the name of the new platform, which includes the digitalised offerings of numerous cultural institutions and attractions and enables a network and international marketing.

Geographical borders disappear

Cultural sites such as Tratzberg Castle in Tyrol, Hochosterwitz Castle in Carinthia and the world's largest monastery library in Admont are now just a few clicks away from each other. "We are proud to have created another innovative milestone in the cultural sector, as the communication of faith, culture and knowledge is a central concern of our house," says Gerhard Hafner OSB, Abbot of Admont Abbey, and emphasises: "Thanks to the unique cultural networking and marketing platform cultour.digital, you can now explore our diverse museum not only physically, but also virtually."

Virtual tour of places of interest

Stroll through historic walls, marvel at unique art and cultural treasures or take part in a live guided tour. Specially developed software comes into play to make the virtual visit an extraordinary experience. Virtual guests experience an outstanding 360-degree view, numerous audio and additional functions and gain insights that visitors cannot get on site, as Mario Brandmüller, project developer and Head of Culture, Tourism and PR at Admont Abbey, explains using the monastery library as an example: "You walk through secret passageways, let your gaze wander over the ceremonial hall in the gallery and can read centuries-old books. And all at very attractive prices."

An interactive and intuitive experience

This sophisticated software was developed by the start-up company LightCyde. "The development of the platform was realised technically and in terms of multimedia on the basis of state-of-the-art technologies. The conceptual focus is on international access to all cultural institutions. This enables us to offer all users a modern, experience-orientated, interactive and intuitive cultural experience. A sustainable, international cultural platform has been realised, taking into account the idea of synergy as well as extensive advertising and marketing opportunities for all cultural institutions," says project developer and managing director of LightCyde, Thomas Fischbacher.

Conquering Europe, Asia and the USA

Stay at home and still enjoy a wide range of cultural and museum offerings. The new cultural platform is a response to the coronavirus pandemic and also "enables us to reach a target group of many hundreds of millions of people with our digitalised offering," says Mario Brandmüller. The website has already gone online in Europe. The next step is to conquer Asia and the USA. "We have seen incredible growth since the launch of the cultural platform. Many partners are interested. This is reflected in the numerous enquiries we have received not only from Austrian cultural organisations, but from all over Europe," says a delighted Thomas Fischbacher from LightCyde.

Admont Abbey Museum, Kunstforum Wien, Kornberg Castle, Hochosterwitz Castle, Rein Abbey, Wilten Abbey, For Forest, Tratzberg Castle, Kunstraum Liezen - the list of participating institutions is growing from week to week. No wonder, because shortly after the launch of the platform, work is already underway on further development. In addition to virtual tours, live streams and videos on demand will soon be available. Nothing stands in the way of a cultural evening on the couch. A monthly subscription provides access to cultural films and series that are broadcast via Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV.

Source: Press portal / Picture: Bibliothek-bei-Nacht_©Thomas-Sattler