Google Maps has teamed up with K-pop superstars BTS to offer an exclusive Street View Gallery that will take the band’s fans on a tour around the world in a way that mimics one of Google Earths’ best features.
As you take in the sights at stops in London, New York and Seoul, tourists will also be able to admire the boy band members’ favorite art (opens in new tab), which was superimposed on buildings and landmarks. The artwork includes iconic classic works from various cultures, as well as personal photos of BTS himself, with each piece accompanied by a brief description of why BTS has an affinity for it.
This is the latest effort by Google Arts and Culture, which uses Street View to take digital explorers on tour. museums, galleries and places of historical or scientific importance (opens in new tab) to create more engagement with the arts.
However, instead of following the usual more connected Street View tour from one place, this new BTS Street Gallery borrows the multi-destination aspect of Google Earth Voyages.
Voyages offers an absolutely amazing array of digital tours around the world, allowing people to enjoy the sights and visit iconic landmarks from various countries and cultures. There is a tour Japanese castles (opens in new tab), UNESCO World Heritage Sites (opens in new tab)and North America National Parks (opens in new tab) among many others, with virtual tourists jumping from one site to another at the click of a button.
Not only does this BTS tour open up the possibility for other artists to create their own Street View Gallery tours filled with art and locations that are meaningful to them, it can also pave the way for a version of Google Earth’s best feature to make up for their time on center of attention.
While Google Earth is still working, it doesn’t get as much love or attention as it used to. So while your travels are still available to explore, we’re excited to see the feature make a half-turn on Google Maps; let’s just hope Google adds more tours and brings a full return.
While we wait, why not check out five amazing features that Google Maps already has, including the ability to explore the past (almost) wherever you go.