Virtual visitors from around the world can explore the North East’s most popular museum after Beamish was added to Google Street View.
Beamish brings the region’s past to life – but the latest 21st century technology was used to capture 360 degree panoramic images of the museum.
The Google Street View car and a trekker, carrying a special backpack camera, toured our period areas including 1820s Pockerley Old Hall and Waggonway, 1900s Town, Fairground, 1900s Pit Village and 1940s Farm.
The work was part of Street View’s Special Collects Programme, which provides panoramic imagery of unique locations across the world including museums, heritage monuments and national parks.
David Watchman, Beamish’s Digital Communications Officer, said: “We were delighted to work with Google Maps to capture these fantastic Street View images, which showcase what an amazing place Beamish is. Visitors around the world will be able to get a taste of Beamish and understand the huge scale of the museum before they even arrive.
“Google Street View allows you to take a stroll along the 1900s Town Street, enjoy the sight of our steam Gallopers or take in the view of the 1820s landscape from Pockerley Old Hall… all from your computer or phone!
“Of course, to pick up your favourite sweets from the Sweet Shop, taste fish and chips from Davy’s Fried Fish Shop or travel on a tram you’ll still need to pay us a visit!
“Google Street View is part of the exciting digital developments planned for Beamish in the future, especially as we look towards the creation of our new 1950s Town.”
Google Street View features 360 degree panaromic views of famous landmarks and world heritage sites, including the Taj Mahal in India, the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt and Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. The trekker device records places that vehicles can’t reach and was first used to capture the Grand Canyon in Arizona.
Click here to explore Beamish on Google Street View.