Almost as broad as the artwork around which they are constructed, a wide range of Web sites has been created to expand the public's awareness and knowledge of art.

The National Museums Liverpool's Web site offers an interactive portrait section and a variety of different online games. Some of these are based on the music of the Beatles (www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk). Fiercely aware of their unique location and cultural heritage, the Liverpool museums are using their Web site to attempt to collect 800 real-life stories that capture the experiences, hopes and aspirations of the people of Merseyside in the last 60 years. All the stories and objects will be added to the museum social history collections as a resource to be used in future exhibitions, events and research.

With the introduction of high-definition scans using technology developed in the museum's own scientific and photographic departments, visitors to London's National Gallery Web site (www.nationalgallery.org.uk) can zoom into different areas of artwork to explore details not ordinarily visible. Currently, nearly 300 works are available to explore online, including paintings by Van Gogh, Michelangelo, Botticelli and Rembrandt. Over time, every significant painting in the National Gallery's permanent collection will be available.

The Louvre offers an online program called "A Closer Look," which allows users to zoom in and study details of famous works of art. Naturally, its most famous piece - the "Mona Lisa" - is one of the works included in this program.

MOMA' s "Red Studio" Web site explores issues raised by teens about modern art, today's working artists and what goes on behind the scenes at a museum.

And for those looking for a unique gift for the person who has everything, most museum Web sites include an online store.

(International Herald Tribune, April 8-9, 2006)