3D printed version of Klimt’s ‘The Kiss’ to give visually impaired a feel for artwork
Austrian gallery unveils 3D graphic of famous painting and encourages the blind and visually impaired to run their fingers over it

Like most artworks in galleries worldwide, visitors haven’t been allowed to touch Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss at the Belvedere museum in Vienna – until now.
This month a special 3D version of the masterpiece was unveiled, aimed at enabling the visually impaired to enjoy the work by running their fingers over it.
The “interactive tactile relief”, made using a 3D printer, makes it possible to touch details of the 1907-08 original, says the Belvedere.
Klimt (1862-1918) made The Kiss, depicting a couple embracing and enveloped in colourful robes, using oil paints and gold leaf during his “Golden Period”.
The new reproduction, which is much smaller than the original, also has sensors that when touched trigger audio commentary about the work.