ART

The Tech Virtual Test Zone is a new area in the museum showcasing the world's first hands-on, interactive exhibits conceptualized and developed originally in the virtual world of the Tech's Second Life®. These new exhibits are the result of The Tech's virtual exhibit design initiative and competition, called The Tech Virtual, which was launched in December 2007 and aims to revolutionize the way new museum exhibitions are developed. The Tech Virtual Test Zone is a prototype exhibit area that will consistently feature virtual-world-to-real-world exhibits on a specific theme resulting from The Tech Virtual program. The first theme featured in the Test Zone is "Art, Film & Music", which is also the theme of a new permanent gallery that The Tech plans to launch by 2010, featuring some of the people and innovations from Silicon Valley that have contributed significantly to this field. To create the exhibits you will see in The Test Zone, The Tech engaged an international community of creative people in The Tech Virtual — experts in art, film, music, and technology from all over the world, including museum professionals such as exhibit builders, craftspeople and curators. Through The Tech Virtual, The Tech has been able to bring these experts together to create exhibits that are both imaginative and educational. Exhibits at-a-glance include the Wall of Musical Buttons (Wikisonic), Musical Seats (Musical Chairs), Be a VJ (Golden Age of MIDI), Panoramic Photos (Reprojecting San Jose), Mashup Masterpiece (The Painter), Tilty Table (Component Shift), and the Human/Avatar (Connecting Point). Come to The Tech to see and experience these unique exhibits for yourself! Or visit The Tech Virtual in Second Life, and participate in our ongoing exhibit design challenges.