Share this page on

TAKING THE LEAD

Your next museum audio tour is just a click away.

MP3s and iPods haven't just transformed the way people listen to music-that is, on the go with minimal equipment-they've also changed the way travelers can access art. Many museums across the US have jumped on the podcast bandwagon, creating content that visitors can download online before arriving to see an exhibit.

The content varies, but the end result is the same: Guests have access to info that brochures can't provide, making them more in tune to what they are about to experience. "We wanted people to have a behind-the-scenes story about works of art, artists and the process," says Daniel Incandela, director of new media at the Indianapolis Museum of Art (www.imamuseum.org).

Minneapolis' Walker Art Center (www.walkerart.org) takes it one step further with Art on Call, which allows visitors to access tours and extra info through their cell phones. (It is also available to download online.) According to Robin Dowden, director of new media initiatives, "Our highest usage rate was during the 'Picasso and American Art' exhibition… when 25% of visitors listened to Art on Call using their cell phones."

As Incandela puts it, "I strongly believe that the future of the museum experience will involve these deeper layers." Chances are, he's right.

TOY STORY

The National Toy Hall of Fame inducts its newest members.

The baby doll, the skateboard and the stick-praised for its no-cost, wide-ranging recreational qualities-have joined the likes of the kite, Mr. Potato Head and the cardboard box in the National Toy Hall of Fame. Located in the Strong National Museum of Play (www.strongmuseum.org) in Rochester, NY, the hall of fame recognizes toys that inspire creative play and are continuously popular.

CULTURE CALENDAR

ATLart[09]

Presented by the Atlanta Gallery Association, this celebration of visual art brings together organizations, galleries and museums to highlight the variety of fine arts Atlanta has to off er. Launching Jan. 22 with the kick-off soirée "ARThouse" and running through Feb. 8, ATLart[09] also includes an art auction, museum exhibitions, lectures and gallery openings.

www.atlart.com

• Biz Bits - July 2009

  A roundup of on-the-go chargers
  read more ›
  
  

• The Career Coach Debate

  According to The Human Capital Institute, as many as 60% of American companies are using the services of executive coaches to alleviate corporate ills like co-worker conflicts, employees lacking in leadership skills and low morale due to workplace changes. But is this one-on-one instruction a worthwhile investment or a waste of time? Two leading experts weigh in on how much of the coaching phenomenon is beneficial and how much is hype.
  read more ›
  
  

• Follow the Leader

  
  read more ›
  
  

• Rooms to Grow

  INCUBATORS PROVIDE A PLACE WHERE START-UPS CAN MATURE AND DEVELOP INTO ESTABLISHED BUSINESSES.
  read more ›
  
  

• Overnight Success

  THE FIRST-EVER COMPANY TO OFFER RENTAL DVDS BY MAIL, NETFLIX IS THE INDUSTRY'S ONLY TRUE SUCCESS STORY, THANKS TO ITS REVOLUTIONARY, UNRIVALED PRODUCT OFFERINGS AND UNSURPASSED CUSTOMER SERVICE.
  read more ›
  
  

• This Month in Travel History

  HOORAY FOR HOLLYWOOD
  read more ›
  
  

• Go with the Flow

  See how the some of the country's longest lazy river rides measure up.
  read more ›
  
  

• Cabinet of Curiosities

  So the Mona Lisa fails to excite you and dinosaur bones seem a bit passé? If you've grown tired of the standard museum fare, check out these strange items on display at museums across America.
  read more ›
  
  

• The Natural

  With his powerful home runs and cool confidence, Brewers left fielder Ryan Braun is helping Milwaukeeans remember what it's like to win.
  read more ›
  
  

• Sole Mates

  Whether quirky, sporty or classy, these are summer sandals to flip over.
  read more ›