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ChatGPT as a Museum Tour Guide

I’ve become spoiled. I love being able to look at the art and have somebody explain to me what’s going on. This started in college when I went to a Picasso exhibit with my grandfather. Picasso is quite difficult to understand without the background. I just saw a lot of random shapes. However, when I learned what Picasso was trying to do, combine the best shapes of each object and combine them onto a single canvas, the art made a whole lot more sense.

But not all places have audio guides. In New York, I’ve learned that I can scan the visual descriptions and have it read it aloud to me. That works pretty well.

But I found myself in National Museum of Bermuda without much direction at all. So I decided to create my own audio guide with ChatGPT.

Me: I am in Bermuda. You are an expert tour guide, and I am at the National Museum of Bermuda. Take me on an audio tour. Right now, I am at the Commissioner’s house.

ChatGPT: Welcome to the Commissioner’s House, a truly fascinating part of the National Museum of Bermuda! This grand building is perched on a hill within the museum complex, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding turquoise waters and the historic Dockyard below. Let’s explore its rich history and the exhibits it houses.

First, take a moment to appreciate the architecture. The Commissioner’s House, built between the early 1820s and 1830s, …

ChatGPT Plus, GPT 4o, August 2024

ChatGPT continued for a while, telling me about the various different exhibits and taking me around the building. That was cool, but I thought a real tour guide would give me some introductory notes about Bermuda.

Me: I just got off the cruise ship and I want you to explain to me why we are in Bermuda. Give me some history about Bermuda and act like a tour guide and introduce me to the island.

ChatGPT: Welcome to Bermuda! I’m thrilled you’ve just stepped off the cruise ship and are ready to explore this beautiful and historic island. Let me give you a warm introduction to Bermuda, filled with fascinating history, unique culture, and some highlights of what makes this island so special.

Bermuda is often mistaken for a Caribbean island, but we’re actually located in the North Atlantic Ocean, about 650 miles off the coast of North Carolina….

ChatGPT Plus, GPT 4o, August 2024

But then we got to the biggest challenge, the giant mural of Hall of History by artist Graham Foster. This is frustrating because there’s so much stuff in the story but without a guide, it’s just overwhelming and makes me feel bad. But ChatGPT did a wonderful job explaining it to me piece by piece.

Using ChatGPT as a museum tour guide was surprisingly fun and enlightening. It made the art come alive in a way that I wouldn’t have experienced on my own. Sure, it’s not the same as having a real person guiding you, but it’s a close second. Walking through the Hall of History mural with ChatGPT made me see things I would have missed, and it turned an overwhelming experience into a journey of discovery. So, next time you’re wandering around a museum with no guide in sight, give it a try. You might find that with ChatGPT, you get to explore at your own pace and pick up on stories you’d never notice otherwise.

Extra Credit: If You Want to Play at Home

You can see an immersive 3D version of the mural here. The mural starts to the left of the doorway and right of the column. Take a look and see how overwhelming it is. Try to look at the art and follow it with this narration.

Me: I’m finding it hard to follow the mural. Can you take me on a tour of this piece of art, piece by piece and section by section so I can understand it better.

ChatGPT: Absolutely! Let’s dive into the Hall of History mural by Graham Foster piece by piece. I’ll guide you through the major sections of the mural, helping you understand the stories and historical events depicted.

The Early Days and Discovery

As you start on the left side of the mural, you’ll find the depiction of Bermuda’s discovery in 1609 by the Sea Venture. This was the pivotal shipwreck that led to the island’s first settlement by the English. You’ll see a scene of the shipwreck with figures scrambling to shore, symbolizing the beginning of European influence on the island. This part of the mural captures the moment when Bermuda was unintentionally discovered, setting the stage for its future as a British colony.

2. Early Settlement and the Establishment of St. George’s

Moving along, the mural illustrates the early days of settlement, particularly focusing on the establishment of St. George’s, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll notice depictions of settlers constructing buildings and establishing their new lives on the island. This section highlights the challenges and triumphs of those first settlers as they built a community from the ground up.

3. The Evolution of Bermuda’s Economy

As you continue, the mural transitions into scenes depicting the growth of Bermuda’s economy, including agriculture, shipbuilding, and the beginnings of international trade. You’ll see images of farmers working the land, artisans crafting boats, and merchants trading goods. This section shows how Bermuda evolved from a fledgling colony into a thriving center of commerce.

4. The Role of Slavery and African Influence

Next, you’ll encounter powerful imagery that reflects the history of slavery in Bermuda. Look for scenes depicting enslaved Africans being brought to the island, their labor in fields and homes, and their eventual emancipation. This section also honors the significant contributions of Bermuda’s African community to the island’s culture, including elements of music, dance, and spirituality. You may notice Gombey dancers—a traditional Bermudian performance art with roots in African culture—represented here, symbolizing resilience and cultural retention.

5. Military History and Strategic Importance

The mural then moves into Bermuda’s military history, showcasing the island’s strategic importance to the British Empire. You’ll see images of soldiers, forts, and naval battles, depicting Bermuda’s role in global conflicts such as the American Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and both World Wars. This section highlights the construction of fortifications and the presence of British and later American military forces on the island.

6. The Twentieth Century and Modern Bermuda

Continuing on, the mural brings you into the twentieth century, illustrating Bermuda’s transformation into a modern society. This section covers the growth of tourism, the development of Hamilton as a bustling capital, and the emergence of Bermuda as a major offshore financial center. Look for scenes of everyday life in Bermuda, with people enjoying the beaches, participating in cultural festivals, and engaging in the island’s political and social movements.

7. Cultural and Social Life

Finally, the mural culminates in a celebration of Bermuda’s vibrant culture and community life. You’ll see scenes of Bermudians participating in traditional activities, such as cricket, boating, and music. This part of the mural emphasizes the island’s unique blend of British, African, and Caribbean influences, showing how these diverse elements come together to create Bermuda’s distinctive cultural identity.

Overview and Reflection

As you step back and take in the mural as a whole, you’ll see how Graham Foster has woven together over five centuries of history into a cohesive and dynamic narrative. The mural is designed to be explored from left to right, guiding you through the different eras and aspects of Bermuda’s past. The vibrant colors, intricate details, and fluid composition draw you into each scene, encouraging you to reflect on the complex and multifaceted history of this island.

If you’re still feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry! The mural is dense with information, and it’s perfectly normal to feel a bit lost among all the details. I recommend spending some time focusing on one section at a time, maybe even coming back to the mural after exploring other parts of the museum. Each visit will reveal new aspects and stories hidden within the artwork.

ChatGPT Plus, GPT 4o, August 2024