Virtual Gallery FAQs

This page gives answers to Frequently Asked Questions about virtual galleries, creating new spaces, the Curation Exhibitions software features, and how you can share your gallery with visitors.

  1. Virtual Galleries
  2. Creating a New Gallery
  3. Curation Software Features
  4. Publishing & Sharing a Gallery

Go to the Exhibiton Design FAQ page if you have questions about exhibition design, gallery management, and the practicalities of how you can add different types of content to your virtual gallery.

1. Virtual Galleries – FAQs

How many things can I put in a virtual gallery?

This depends on the size of the gallery and how you want to present your exhibition.

Each of our ready-made galleries has a number of marked positions that can be used to display exhibits. Exhibits can be pictures, videos, audio players or 3D models.

You can find out the capacity of each ready-made gallery by checking the Virtual Galleries page. This will tell you how many wall positions, and how many floor positions there are in each gallery. Wall positions are usually spaced every 2 to 3 meters (6 to 9 feet) along each wall.

If you are making a custom gallery then the number of positions can be chosen by you. We will set this up to meet your needs and there is no absolute limit to the number of things that can be added to a virtual gallery.

If you have a PRO or PREMIUM subscription then you can also choose the number of positions used in any gallery. This includes ready-made galleries, and this means that even a ready-made gallery can have a higher capacity than what is shown on the Virtual Galleries page.

 

Can I display exhibits in a “salon style” with pictures scattered around the walls?

Yes, you can display pictures and other exhibits in any way that you choose.

However, this will either require you to make a custom gallery, or you will need to have a PRO or PREMIUM subscription to modify the positions in a ready-made gallery.

Each ready-made gallery has a number of marked positions which are spaced horizontally along each wall (usually every 2 to 3 meters). You will be able to move these positions around, but the capacity for each wall can’t be increased in a ready-made gallery unless you have a PRO or PREMIUM subscription.

 

I like some of the ready-made galleries, but can I make changes to them?

It is possible to edit any gallery, but this would be treated as a custom gallery design and we would give you a price quotation based on the changes that you want to make. This is likely to be cheaper than designing a new exhibition from scratch, and it may only be a small fee to make changes to a ready-made gallery.

Our ready-made galleries are designed to be cost-effective and accessible to as many people as possible. The price shown for each ready-made gallery is for it to be used in its current form. You are able to change the materials used for floors, walls, and woodwork, and this is included in the price. However, changes to the architecture or layout would increase the price.

Some of the ready-made galleries are “modular” and they can be customized. These galleries include the “Chambers”, “Hive” and “Workshop” galleries. They are each made up of several ready-made rooms, and you can choose how these rooms are connected together (a bit like putting together a jigsaw puzzle).

 

Can I choose the materials used in a virtual gallery? Can I change the colour of walls and change the doors/windows/flooring…etc?

Yes.

We have a library of material that you can choose from. This includes various paint colours, and things like parquet flooring, wood, textiles, and metals.

If you are using a ready-made gallery then there are limited options for customization. You can usually choose the flooring materials, wall colour, ceiling colour and mouldings (door frames, skirting…etc.).

If you are making a custom gallery then you will have much more control over the materials used throughout your virtual gallery. We can also work with you to find and make new materials. We can also re-create materials from real location, such as carpets, patterned wallpapers, stained-glass windows…etc.

 

How many times can I use my virtual gallery for new exhibitions?

You can use a virtual gallery as many times as you like.

It is up to you whether you want to replace an old exhibition with a new one (like in a real gallery), or whether you want to keep all of your exhibitions on display at the same time. You can do this by having several copies of your gallery.

Each copy of a virtual gallery costs 30-40% of the price of adding a new gallery design. For example, a Gold gallery such as the Mezzanine would cost £650 for one exhibition. It would cost an additional £200 to add a second exhibition (also using the Mezzanine gallery).

You can find all prices on the Prices & Options page.

 

How long does it take to make a new exhibition?

This depends on whether you have already designed the new exhibition.

It can take as little as a couple of minutes to completely change an exhibition if you have already designed it and saved it. You can simply swap the old exhibition for the new one very quickly.

It takes longer to design a new exhibition, but this is mostly because it takes time to make decisions and try different things.

If all of your exhibition content is ready, it might take only 1 or 2 minutes to place each exhibit in your virtual gallery. The process is this simple, and each step can be done in a matter of seconds:

  1. Decide which position in the gallery you are going to use.
  2. Select which exhibit is placed in that position. This could be a picture, video, audio player or 3D model.
  3. Choose a display style for the exhibit. This would determine the style and colour of the frame for a picture or video. It would determine the type of plinth for a 3D model.
  4. Choose a lighting style. This will add a light fitting or spotlight to the exhibit.
  5. Make small changes to the scale, positioning and rotation of an exhibit.

The time it take to create a whole exhibition depends on the size of the gallery, the amount of content, and how long it takes you to make decisions.

 

If I have more than one virtual gallery, how are they connected? How do visitors move between them?

The Curation Exhibitions platform allows visitors to move between galleries in just a few clicks.

This is done by clicking on the menu icon in the top-left of the screen. You can then click on the “Gallery Menu” button to open the selection screen and choose which gallery you want to view.

Any number of galleries or exhibitions can be added to this selection screen. This includes multiple exhibitions that take place in the same virtual gallery space.

 

Can furniture and other objects be added to a ready-made gallery?

Yes. It is possible to add furniture and other 3D objects to a gallery space. This might include things like potted plants, benches or other small props.

If there is something that you would like to add, then we might have this in our library of 3D assets. Otherwise, we may be able to source or make a new 3D object for you. The cost of this will depend on whether we need to purchase this from elsewhere or make it ourselves.

 

2. Creating A New Gallery – FAQs

I have seen some real galleries that I like. Can I make a gallery in a similar style?

Yes. You can take inspiration from anywhere. It is very useful if you have some pictures of the kind of gallery you would like to make.

We will ask you to give us a design brief before we start making a new virtual gallery for you. This should include examples of interior design and architecture that you like.

 

How much does it cost to make a new gallery?

This depends on the size, complexity and level of detail included in your new virtual gallery.

The typical price range for this is £700 to £2000 but this can vary greatly. It is a good idea to contact us if you would like to create a custom gallery. We can then find out more about what you want and give you a more curate estimate.

The size of the gallery is not the most important factor. You can create a very large gallery for a low price if it has a simple design. The biggest factor is how complex it is. For example, a big rectangular room in a contemporary or minimalist style would be relatively cheap to make. On the other hand, an Art Nouveau or Frank Gehry style exhibition space with lots of curves and small details would be more expensive to make.#

Contact us if you would like a price quotation for a new gallery space.

 

How big can a new virtual gallery be?

There is no limit on the size of virtual gallery. The only factor to consider is the experience of your visitors and whether they will be able to find their way around the gallery easily.

There are almost no technical limitations, so it’s more important to focus on good design and we will be working with you and providing our expertise throughout the design process.

 

Will other people be able to use the new gallery that I make?

If you make a new virtual gallery it will be your property and it will be exclusively for you to use. This means that your gallery design will remain unique and you can show off your own creative vision and identity.

You can allow other people to use your virtual gallery, but this will be your decision and they will need to have written permission from you.

 

If I make a virtual gallery, do I own it?

Yes. You will own the design, and this will be protected by copyright law. After we have finished making your new gallery it’s ownership will be handed over to you. We will not allow others to use your gallery design.

We can also send you a static 3D model of the gallery so you can use it for other projects. This 3D model and the design of the gallery will be separate from the Curation Exhibitions platform and will therefore not include the functionality and interactive features of our software. It would not include the materials and natural landscape around the virtual gallery model as this is also part of the Curation Exhibitions software.

 

I want to use a virtual gallery to plan real exhibitions. Can I make a gallery that is exactly the same size as a real space?

Yes. We can make a scale re-recreation of a real space.

This will be based on floor plans, architectural drawings, photographs and measurements that you send to us.

The accuracy of the re-creation will depend on the accuracy of the measurements that you provide. If you do not have a floor plan or architectural drawing we will ask you to take manual measurements of the space.

 

How can I make a real location? What do you need to know so that it can be re-created?

We will create a 3D model of the real location. This will be based on all the information that you can provide. Architectural drawings and floor plans with measurements are the best resource, but we can also re-create a space using photographs and basic measurements that you have taken.

If accurate scale is not a priority then we can use a bit of creative license to make a virtual gallery that evokes the atmosphere and style of the real location. Sometimes this makes for a better virtual gallery because it can include changes that improve upon the real space.

Throughout the design process we will meet with you to check that you are happy with each stage of the design. The best way to do this is with a guided tour via video call.

  1. The first stage is to make sure that the general layout and scale are correct.
  2. The second stage is to add more details and features to the virtual space.
  3. Finally, we will work with you to select the materials and add the lighting.

When the virtual gallery is finished you can then start designing your exhibition.

 

I make a new gallery, can I change it and add to it in the future?

Yes. This would be treated as a new custom gallery design. The cost is likely to be much cheaper than creating a new gallery from scratch, and will depend on the number of changes that need to be made.

Bear in mind that changing your virtual gallery will mean that previous exhibitions may no longer fit the space. You have th eoption of using th eolder version of the gallery to continue displaying previous exhibitions, or you may choose to adapt previous exhibitions so that they take advantage of the new gallery space.

 

How long does it take to make a new gallery?

This depends on the complexity of the gallery design, but it usually depends more on your decision making process.

We are able to work fastest when you can provide a clear and concise design brief, and then allow us to come up with designs that meet your brief. This process can be broken down into 3 main stages.

  1. Layout and architectural design
  2. Styling and interior design
  3. Materials & lighting design

If you wish to go through many stages of review and multiple iterations of the gallery design then this will increase the time it takes to complete the gallery. There is no time limit, and we are able to meet with you to talk about the design at various stages of the design process. Virtual gallery production involves the use of skills including architectural design, 3D modelling, materials design, programming, and user experience design.

The minimum timescale is about 3 weeks, but this can vary greatly and we are happy to work on long-term design projects that take several months.

 

I already have a 3D model of my space? Can this be used as a virtual gallery?

Yes, it can.

First we will need to check the 3D model and make sure that it meets certain standards. This is because it needs to be integrated with our own software.

As a starting point, you should be able to send us your 3D model in OBJ, FBX or Blend format.

 

I have a crazy idea for a virtual gallery. Can I make something that couldn’t possibly exist in the real world?

Yes. We are always excited to work with people who want to try new things and explore the creative potential of virtual spaces.

Get in touch with us and we can discuss your ideas.

 

3. Curation Software Features – FAQs

Is it possible to protect my exhibition with a password?

Yes. It can be password-protected in several ways.

When visitors enter a virtual gallery using the Curation Exhibitons app they can be asked to provide a passsword. This is particulalry useful if you have more than one exhibition and you want to control access to each one individually. For example, some exhibitions might not require a password, but others might only be accessible to VIP members or to people who have bought a ticket.

You also have the option of password-protecting the web page that the virtual gallery is on. If you are sharing the gallery on your own web page you would need to set this up on your site. You could also require visitors to log in before accessing the virtual gallery. If vistors are downloading your exhibition then they can be asked to give a password or fill in a web form before getting the download link.

How do visitors move around a virtual gallery?

There are several ways of moving around a gallery.

  1. Arrow buttons are shown on the screen. These will move your forward, back, left and right. Users can click on these buttons with their mouse, or tap the buttons if they are using a touchscreen device.
  2. The arrow keys on your keyboard can also be used to move forward, back, left and right. The WASD letter keys can be used in the same way as the arrow keys.
  3. You can double-click on the floor of the galley with your mouse. This will move you to that position.

It is also possible to look around the gallery without moving. This is done by clicking and dragging the mouse (or track-pad).

People who are familiar with using 3D applications or playing video games can enable “Gamer Mode” by going to the settings menu. This will remove the mouse cursor and on-screen buttons. It is then possible to move and look around using the WASD keys and mouse.

In the settings menu it is also possible to change the speed of movement and the turning speed.

All instructions are shown on-screen when entering a virtual gallery for the first time.

 

How can artists and curators be credited?

There are several options for crediting artsits and other people involved in your exhibition.

Further information can be displayed alongside all of your exhibits. When visitors look at an exhibit, basic information will be displayed on the screen. This typically shows the name of the artist and the title of the work. More detailed information can then be shown when visitors intercact with the exhibit.

Most of our clients also add branding and text introductions to the walls of the exhibition. These are displayed within the 3D space. This is a good way of introducing people to the exhibition space and explaining the concept for the show. It can also be used to display logos, advertising or other credits.

The organization, group or company that has commissioned the virtual exhibiton can also display its logo and name on the screen at all times. This functions as a watermark, and it means that any screenshots will include the name of the owner. It is also possible to display a copyright notice on-screen at all times.

There is also space to give more details and credits inside the exhibition menu. If visitors access the menu and select “About & Credits” then they can find out more about the curators, stakeholders, sponsors and artists involved in the exhibition. You can choose the information you want to display here.

Can I sell things through a virtual gallery?

Yes, but it will need to be integrated with an e-commerce site.

Your virtual exhibition can be integrated with any type of online store. This is a great way to sell original artworks, prints, or any other merchandise that you might put on display in your exhibition. You will first need to set up a regular online store with a product page for each item you want to sell (e.g. Shopify, WooCommerce, Wix, Magento, Etsy, Squarespace, Amazon, etc.). An online store will manage your orders, stock, shopping cart & financial transactions. You can then manage all of these features and functions in the usual way.

Exhibits and other interactive items in your exhibition can then be integrated with this online store. When visitors click on an artwork they will have the option of opening the product page and see more information before making a purchase.

Can I display and sell NFTs in a virtual gallery?

Yes. You can sell NFTs or any other digital products.

Every exhibit in a virtual gallery can be connected to a web page or product page. Visitors can view images and other content in your exhibition an dthen follow a link to make a purchase. Virtual galleries can be integrated with almost any online shopping platform or web site.

 

Can I record videos and take screenshots in a virtual gallery?

Virtual galleries are an excellent way of creating original content. It’s easy to take screenshots and record videos inside your virtual gallery.

The Curation Exhibitions platform includes several features designed to be used for recording videos. These features are only available to the owners of a virtual gallery and are protected by a password. To access these featrues you can go to the “Settings” menu and click on the “lock” icon to enter your password and unlock some extra menu options. These options include “Flight Mode” and “Minimize Info Tabs”.

“Flight Mode” will allow you to fly around your virtual gallery and view your exhibition from any angle. It will also smooth your movements and help you to produce professional looking videos by preventing sudden or jumpy movements.

“Minimize Info Tabs” will remove most of the user interface (UI) from the screen so you can record videos and take screenshots of your exhibition. This will also prevent information tabs from popping-up when you focus on an exhibit.

If you are comfortable with using your mouse and arrow keys to move around then we recommend also activating “Gamer Mode”. This will remove the arrow buttons and mouse cursor from your screen, giving you the cleanest view of your virtual gallery and exhibition.

There are many types of software that can be used to record videos and take images, but you can also use the built-in features that are included with Windows PC or Mac OS.

The easiest way to take pictures is to use your computer’s built-in screenshot function. On a Windows PC you can press the “Windows key + Print Screen” to take a screenshot. On a Mac press “Command + Shift + 3”.

To record videos on a PC you can press “Windows + G” to open the Game Bar and record your screen. On a Mac you can press “Command + Shift + 5” to open the recording tools.

The online version of a virtual gallery can be used for taking screenshots, but it is not ideal because the image resolution may be lower when viewing it online. Slower computers will find it difficult to stream video and record video at the same time, which may result in stuttering during video recording, so we recommend using a download version for video production.

 

I want to promote my virtual exhibition before it is finished? Can you produce a "teaser" video or send me some screenshots?

Yes.

It can take time to design and make a new virtual gallery or exhibition, especially if you are working in consultation with us to create something original.

During the design process we can record a video tour of your virtual gallery, even if it is not yet finished. You can use this to show people how development is going, or you can use it to promote your virtual gallery before it is released.

If you are working with us to create a new virtual gallery space, the best way to make decisions is via video call. We can then show you the gallery at each stage of its development. We can also share screenshots, design drawings and video recordings at any point in the design process.

 

4. Publishing and Sharing a Gallery – FAQs

Can visitors explore the exhibition online, without needing to download anything?

Yes.

A virtual gallery  can be embedded and streamed on almost any web page. This does not require any downloading. Visitors simply click on the interactive window and they can start exploring the gallery once it has loaded.

Can I put a virtual exhibition on my own web page?

Yes. You can put your virtual exhibition onto almost any web page. This called “embedding” or “streaming”.

We will give you a short piece of HTML code. You just need to copy & paste this onto your web page. It will create a streaming window (similar to a YouTube video, except it’s interactive). Visitors will then be able to explore the exhibition online. You can embed the same exhibition onto several web pages if you want your audience to find it in more than one place.

You will require a monthly streaming subscription for this. Details are on our Prices & Options page.

Can my audience download the exhibition and view it offline?

Yes. Visitors can download the exhibition for PC or Mac. It is your choice if you want to offer this to your audience.

There are several benefits to having a download version of your gallery.

  1. It does not require a monthly subscription and it can be downloaded any number of times at no extra cost.
  2. It can be viewed offline. After a vistor has downloaded it they can view the gallery as many times as they like, for as long as they like.
  3. If your visitors have a slow or unstable internet connection, the downloaded gallery will not be affected by this. It has already been saved to to their computer, so there is no need to wait for things to download or stream.
  4. You can use your virtual gallery to record videos, or to give guided tours to your audience (e.g. using Zoom, Skype, Twitch, WebEx). We recommend using a downloaded version of your gallery for this.

It is a good idea to give your audience the option of downloading it OR streaming it online. Some people prefer to click a button and get started right away (using streaming) and some people prefer to save it to their own computer (so they can access it quickly any time).

Some of our clients like to share the online (embedded) version when they first open a new exhibition, and then make the download available in the long-term. This combination provides a good balance between cost and accessibility.

Can I use a virtual exhibition as part of a live event?

Yes. This is a good way to introduce your exhibition to a large audience. It can also be a way of making your events more interactive and enagaging.

A virtual gallery could be displayed as part of an art fair or real-world exhibition, giving you unlimited capacity and creative potential. It couls also be used as an interactive installation, and to create unique experiences or works of art for your audience.

All you need is a computer and a large screen or projector.

There are also several options for vistors to control the exhibition interactively:

  • Set up a wireless controller and allow your audience to explore the exhibition in their own way.
  • Set up a motion controller so that your audience can interact with the exhibition using gestures. We can create custom setups so that audiences can participate in the experience in interesting ways.
  • You can give a live tour of the exhibiton as part of a public presentation or video presentation, or you can allow one of your audience to take control of the experience while others watch.
  • Or simply set up a passive display with a recorded tour of the exhibition.

How will you send me the finished exhibition? What do I get from Curation when my exhibition is ready to show people?

This depends on how you want to share your gallery with your audience.

  1. If you are embedding and streaming your gallery online, we will set this up for you and sent you a short piece of HTML code. This can be inserted into your web site to create the streaming window.
  2. If you are sharing a download of your exhibition, we will send you a file with your downloadable app. There will be one version for Windows PC, and one version for Mac OS.

When your exhibition is ready for launch we will send you everything you need. We will also be available to provide support after we have handed everything over.

If you do not have your own web site and would like to share your gallery online, we we send you a link to your own web page at Curat10n.com. You can choose the page name (e.g. curat10n.com/your-gallery-name). We provide this for free, and you also have the option of protecting your gallery page with a password so that you  can choose who can access your gallery.

Do you make virtual exhibitions for VR headsets?

Yes. We can make virtual exhibitions for VR headsets.

VR headsets do not use the same software as a regular PC or Mac computer. This means that we need to make a special version of the exhibition for VR. We usually produce VR apps for use with the Meta Quest 2 or Quest 3 headset. 

Please contact us if you are interested in producing a VR exhibition or if you would like to use a different type of hardware setup.

Do virtual exhibitions work on mobile devices?

Yes. The online (embedded) version of the virtual gallery can be viewed on a mobile phone or tablet.

The download version is only available for Windows PC and Mac OS.

The online version of a virtual gallery can also be veiwed on a smart TV if it has touch-screen capability or a game controller.

We aim to provide the highest quality visuals and the most immersive and interactive 3D experiences. We therefore recommend that our virtual galleries are viewed on the largest screen possible.

How long will my exhibition be available?

There is no time limit. It is up to you.

You can share the PC and Mac download version for as long as you like.

The online (embedded) version will be available for as long as you have a monthly hosting subscription. You can take down the online version and put it up again whenever you like. Just contact us to cancel or renew your hosting subscription.

Can I find out how many people have visited my exhibition?

Yes. This depends on whether you are using the online (embedded) version or the download version.

For the online version, we will collect statistics about the number of visitors and the length of time that they spend looking around your exhibition. We will send you a monthly report with information about your gallery. We will also monitor your exhibition during the first week of its launch and provide feedback at the end of this first week.

If you are sharing a download version, it is your reposnibility to monitor the number of people who click the download link. You can do this using your web site’s own analytics. You could also set up a form on your website, to collect information from your audience before they download the exhibition. By doing this you can then notify your audience of any updates or new exhibitions in the future, as well as counting the number of people who download it.

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Gallery Prices & Options

See all of our virtual gallery prices and options here. If you have any questions, or if you would like a quotation for your virtual exhibition project, send us an email or use the enquiry form.

Exhibition Design FAQs

Go to the Exhibition Design FAQ page if you have questions about gallery management, curating and how you can add a variety of content to your virtual gallery.

General Enquiry Form

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