Minecraft, the iconic video game developed by Mojang Studios, has established itself as a pivotal tool in shaping the architects and designers of tomorrow. As noted by James Delaney, a Cambridge University architecture student, “Whilst the architects of today grew up playing with LEGO, I have no doubt the next generation will have played Minecraft.” This sentiment underscores the game’s profound impact on creative education.
Digital Partnership with Sir John Soane’s Museum
In a groundbreaking initiative, Minecraft has partnered with Sir John Soane’s Museum to create a digital experience that brings the esteemed London estate into the virtual realm. The new academic channel, Soane’s Portals to the Past, launched under Minecraft Education, transforms the museum—first opened to the public in 1833—into an interactive gaming experience.
Players can now explore a digitized version of Sir John Soane’s Museum, navigating through its galleries adorned with paintings and sculptures. The museum’s historical figures, Sir John Soane and his wife, Eliza, serve as digital guides, providing narration in a charming Minecraft style. Adding a whimsical touch, Fan, the beloved dog of John Soane, also makes an appearance as a character in the game.
Among the notable spaces recreated in this virtual environment are the Picture Gallery, Breakfast Room, and the iconic Dome of the museum. Players can admire masterpieces like Riva degli Schiavoni, Venice by Canaletto, alongside other treasures from Soane’s extensive collection.
Upon entering the game, players are greeted by Soane himself and can embark on various spinoff adventures, including guided tours of ancient sites in Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Iconic landmarks such as the Karnak Temple, Pantheon, and Temple of Olympia await exploration.
The world within Minecraft was meticulously crafted by BlockBuilders, a British game design studio, while lesson plans developed by Microsoft Office 365 Education enhance the educational value of this digital museum experience.
Will Gompertz, director of Sir John Soane’s Museum, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating that it aligns with the institution’s educational mission. “Minecraft’s gamification of our Museum is a brilliant application of technology to fulfill Soane’s ambition for his Museum to be an Academy of the Arts, free to all,” he remarked. “At a flick of a switch, we can now share Soane’s remarkable collection and visionary architecture with a truly global audience of students through one of the world’s most beloved game-based learning platforms.”
Justin Edwards, director of learning experiences at Minecraft Education, emphasized the project’s significance, stating, “This project connects the past with the present, giving young people the creative and problem-solving skills they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world.”
A demo of this innovative video game experience is available for download, inviting users to engage with history in a modern, interactive format.
