Refrakt vs Viseum

Refrakt is an augmented reality app. By scanning selected images, digital artworks become visible and the original pieces get transformed in virtual reality. The digital world is ubiquitous, yet invisible to the naked human eye. Refrakt is a virtual museum revealing this increasingly relevant part of our daily lives and social interactions. By crossing the boundaries of physical space, various objects of all kinds of media play with the viewer’s perception of parallel realities. The device being used becomes an apparatus for this new world and lets the viewer interact with his immediate surroundings. While scanning real-life objects, he will perceive alternate realities in a virtual space.

Explore a selection of centuries-old masterpieces from the Liechtenstein Princely Collections in a completely new way. These collections are vast—too large even for the Liechtenstein Palaces, where most are displayed today. With around 1,700 paintings, it's among the world's largest private art collections, focusing primarily on Old Masters. The collections cover artworks from the 15th to the 19th centuries, from Early Renaissance to Austrian Romanticism, featuring renowned artists like Rubens, Raphael, and van Dyck. The Princely Family's passion for art began over 400 years ago with Prince Karl I von Liechtenstein, whose famous "closets" held tapestries, carpets, and furniture instead of clothing. This love of art has been passed down through generations, each Prince enriching the collection with their personal taste. Thanks to this continuous dedication, the paintings are exceptionally preserved. Many were acquired directly from the artists, remaining with the family and avoiding frequent restorations. Although privately owned, LGT Private Banking ensures the masterpieces are shared with the public through major exhibitions worldwide—from Europe to Asia. The Augmented Reality app you're holding is part of this commitment. Developed by experts from ETH Zurich's Game Technology Center and Aperion XR in Switzerland, it offers new perspectives on the Old Masters. Simply open the app’s Art Scanner and point the camera at the artwork you'd like to discover. Have fun exploring!