**Public Company Information:**
NASDAQ: ADSK
**"We hope that exploring these priceless artifacts, heirlooms, fossils, and scientific specimens in 3D will generate more public interest and learning around science and technology—especially among students."**
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**WASHINGTON—(BUSINESS WIRE)—** Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK) and the Smithsonian recently launched the Smithsonian x3D Explorer, an innovative interactive 3D educational tool accessible to anyone via the web. Developed exclusively for the Smithsonian by Autodesk, this tool is designed to democratize access to treasured specimens and bring their stories to life. Now, the public can experience these iconic objects from the Smithsonian like never before—whether by viewing them "behind the glass" or even holding 3D-printed replicas.
3D technology is reshaping museums in much the same way it has transformed industries like entertainment, manufacturing, and architecture—and the Smithsonian is determined to lead this change.
"Digitizing our vast and intricate collections of artifacts is a top priority," said Gunter Waibel, head of the Smithsonian Digitization Program Office. "With Autodesk's support, we can now share our collections with far more people than ever before. We hope the Smithsonian x3D Explorer will inspire new ways of learning and discovery that we’ve yet to imagine."
Autodesk actively collaborates with various museums and heritage organizations, offering advanced reality computing technology to preserve and protect cultural artifacts, structures, and fossils. By creating detailed 3D models, some of the world’s most cherished artifacts and scientific specimens housed in the Smithsonian’s collection will be preserved and shared globally, enhancing education and research for future generations. Less than 1% of the Smithsonian’s collection is displayed at any given time, and many objects in their collection will never see the light of day. Digitally showcasing these items opens up endless possibilities for education and exploration.
While a considerable portion of the organization’s “flat†items like photographs and documents have already been digitized, the majority of the Smithsonian’s collections consist of 3D objects. To address this, Autodesk helped build an immersive web experience: a virtual museum complete with galleries, guided tours, research data, and a 3D object explorer. The x3D Explorer initially features 3D models of 21 representative objects from the collection.
“We’re proud to have contributed to preserving such invaluable pieces of history and humanity,†said Amar Hanspal, senior vice president at Autodesk. “We hope that exploring these priceless artifacts, heirlooms, fossils, and scientific specimens in 3D will spark greater public interest and learning about science and technology—especially among students.â€
The Smithsonian’s x3D Explorer provides stunning 3D models of historical treasures and scientific specimens, freely available for anyone to view, study, interact with, manipulate visually, and share. Many of the 3D models can be downloaded for personal and educational purposes, including 3D printing. For instance, classrooms worldwide can now work with replicas of these artifacts, potentially inspiring students to delve deeper into fields like science, technology, engineering, and anthropology.
The Smithsonian Digitization Program Office is tasked with digitizing as much of the institution’s vast collection as possible, and the sheer size of the collection poses a significant challenge. To meet this goal, the office leveraged Autodesk ReCap and Autodesk Maya solutions to efficiently capture artifacts through photos and transform them into high-quality 3D models viewable with the x3D Explorer.
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**About Autodesk:**
Autodesk helps people imagine, design, and create a better world. From professionals in design, engineering, and architecture to digital artists, students, and hobbyists, Autodesk software empowers creativity and solves critical challenges. For more information, visit [autodesk.com](http://autodesk.com) or follow [@autodesk](https://twitter.com/autodesk).
*Autodesk, the Autodesk logo, 3ds Max, AutoCAD, Inventor, Maya, and Revit are registered trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective owners. Autodesk reserves the right to modify product and service offerings, specifications, and pricing without prior notice and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors.*
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**Contact:**
Autodesk, Inc.
Angela Simoes, 415-547-2388
[angela.simoes@autodesk.com](mailto:angela.simoes@autodesk.com)
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