Marking 110 years since the establishment of the National Park Service, the US National Park Service (NPS) has teamed up with Google Arts & Culture to launch the United Parks of America virtual platform, essentially bringing the country’s natural landscapes and historic landmarks directly to global audiences. The digital initiative provides open access to the nation’s cultural heritage and preserved lands, enabling people around the world to discover iconic sites regardless of their physical location.Jessica Bowron, National Park Service Comptroller exercising the delegated authority of the Director, emphasised the importance of broad public reach.“As we celebrate our 110th birthday during National Park Week, one of our biggest priorities is access—engaging people in new ways and making sure as many people as possible can experience these special places. Working together with Google Arts & Culture allows us to share the natural wonders and historic significance of our parks with people, even those who might never get to visit in person. This collaboration ensures America’s story will endure and remain accessible to everyone,” Bowron said.
Interactive exhibits and immersive features
The newly introduced online portal incorporates interactive digital tools to help users explore park resources in entirely new ways. For example, it features more than 150 curated stories and 30 virtual tours, helping visitors explore the majesty of America’s scenic landscapes and discover artifacts that tell the nation’s story from anywhere in the world.It also utilises technology, including 3D models, AI-powered guides and immersive storytelling, so that the public can interact with park resources in ways never before possible.The digital platform arrives as a cornerstone project for National Park Week, backed by refreshed narrative features and a joint promotional video illustrating the collaboration.
