École polytechnique: Unprecedented historical collections on Google Arts & Culture
École Polytechnique and Google Arts & Culture are teaming up to make available to the general public for the first time a unique collection of nearly 2,000 pieces from scientific, historical, and artistic collections from l’X, retracing more than 226 years of existence.
Stemming from a partnership initiated in 2019 with Google Arts & Culture, which specializes in virtual visits of museums and the visualization of works in high definition, in March 2021, École Polytechnique unveils seven exhibitions from the reserves of its museum, the Mus’X.
The virtual space highlights the history of the school, its contribution to great scientific discoveries, and also allows visitors to focus on historical destinies or individual stories, diving into the daily life of students from various eras.
“Expanding the heritage of the school beyond the limits of the Palaiseau campus and giving access to our unpublished collections or those unknown to the general public, has become essential, especially considering the context of the current global pandemic, with cultural spaces remaining closed in France,” stated Eric Labaye, President of École Polytechnique.
Seven thematic virtual exhibitions
Why is it called “Poly-technique”?
Scientific instrumentation: Discover the first-rate techniques to which the adjective “Poly-technique” refers. Take a journey from past to present, through the school’s collection.
Unique destinies: President, Nobel Prize, or Musician
A collection of pictures of students from very diverse backgrounds who ended up at the same school (1857-1900) and went on to become public personalities.
Polytechnique: A clarion call to women
Initially reserved to men, the school soon attracted exceptional women scientists who helped to change perceptions and overcome discrimination. Discover some anecdotes and milestones that mark the history of the opening of the school to women.
From school to the War Front
World War I in portraits and stories.
Point Gamma: A legendary student festival
Renowned today for its electro line-up, this festival originates from an Astronomy class and a costume ball. Discover the history behind the oldest student party in France, through the museum’s exclusive drawing archives.
Wanted: Scholars
École Polytechnique was founded in 1794, in the midst of revolutionary turmoil, with the purpose of compensating the shortage of engineers. For the first time, young people were selected to join the school without distinction as to their social origin, property, or status.
Singing traditions
Discover in music and images a tradition of student songs that is still very much alive today.
A virtual tour of the museum in “Street View” is also available with the exhibitions.