Metropolitan Museum of Art Partners with OpenAI to Bring AI to Costume Institute Exhibition

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is poised to introduce a groundbreaking addition to its annual spring Costume Institute exhibition, which serves as the centerpiece of this year's highly anticipated Met Gala, through an innovative collaboration with OpenAI.

This year’s exhibition, titled “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” will showcase an array of historical garments, with a special focus on the iconic satin wedding gown from the 1930s once worn by New York socialite Natalie Potter.

Satin Wedding Dress worn by Natalie Porter. The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What sets this exhibition apart is the integration of generative artificial intelligence, specifically a custom chatbot built by OpenAI using its advanced GPT-4 technology. This chatbot, embodying the persona of Natalie Potter, will engage with visitors and provide insights into her life and the history behind the exquisite gown. Visitors can interact with the chatbot via text by scanning a QR code linked to a webpage.

“Reawakening” serves as a thematic motif throughout the exhibition, symbolizing not only the seasonal renewal of spring but also the revival of historical fashion through innovative technology. By seamlessly integrating AI into the exhibition space, the Metropolitan Museum of Art invites visitors to engage with the past in a dynamic and interactive manner, bridging the gap between tradition and innovation.

The exhibition integrates generative artificial intelligence to bring Natalie Porter to life. The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

According to the interview given to USA today, Mira Murati, Chief Technology Officer at OpenAI, emphasized the significance of this collaboration in exploring how AI can enhance artistic experiences without overshadowing them. Murati highlighted the importance of seamlessly integrating technology to elevate the overall visitor experience while preserving the essence of the exhibition.

In addition to the AI-driven chatbot, the exhibition offers a multi-sensory experience, blending the sights and sounds of the past with modern technological elements. From the swishing sound of silk emanating from speakers to the tactile experience of touching fabric-textured walls, visitors are immersed in the rich history and texture of the garments on display.

After researching, we have found the MET’s Chatbot, you can try to chat with it now by following the link:

https://chat.openai.com/g/g-bOPqXr1HV-metropolitan-museum-gpt

The partnership between the Metropolitan Museum of Art and OpenAI reflects a broader trend of organizations embracing AI to innovate across various domains. By leveraging AI technologies in creative contexts, institutions aim to enrich the audience's understanding and appreciation of art while embracing the possibilities of modern technology.