Art museums are using new media technology to make collections more accessible to a global audience.

The Tate Modern’s revamped web site debuted yesterday. Included is a virtual tour of the art museum. Visitors to the site can use an interactive map to select an area to investigate. By clicking on a particular area or room, users can view works of art or see photos of the museum. The map allows future museum-goers to plan out an individualized tour of the collection based on which pieces they wish to see. People who are not able to visit the Tate may also get a taste of its collection through the map.

The Louvre also has a virtual tour of the museum. While this tour lacks good views of its artwork, it does have breathtaking examples of the building’s architecture. Users are able to view the museum’s collection through a “kaleidoscope”, which shows the artwork in an ever changing slideshow.

The Museum of Modern Art in New York City also has an easy-to-use, comprehensive site. MOMA’s extensive online collection offers users the opportunity to browse through paintings, sculptures, films, photography and architecture without leaving the comfort of their desk chairs.

At the opposite end of the spectrum is the Museum of Bad Art. Its online collection boasts loads of portraits and landscapes that should possibly remain unseen. A browse through this unique collection is a guaranteed quick laugh, or shudder, depending on viewers’ tolerance for poor color choice.