Vatican Library Introduces NFT Project to Preserve Cultural Heritage
The Vatican Library has announced a new initiative to embrace Web3 technology by offering non-transferable NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) to supporters of its manuscript collections. This innovative project, currently in its “experimental” phase, is specifically targeted at donors from Italy who back the Vatican Apostolic Library.
Housing a vast array of ancient handwritten documents and printed books, the library detailed the program in a recent statement. Italians who champion the NFT project on their social media platforms until July 16 will be rewarded with a “Silver NFT,” granting them exclusive access to a unique collection of high-resolution images featuring 15 manuscripts from the library.
Furthermore, donors will receive a “Gold NFT,” providing access to all high-resolution manuscript images in the collection. This pilot project could potentially expand in the future, enabling individuals to virtually explore the library using immersive XR (extended reality) technology.
Situated within Vatican City in a historic building dating back to the late 16th century, the Apostolic Library is now hinting at immersive reality experiences with its Web3 push. The Vatican has joined forces with Japanese tech giant NTT DATA to tap into Web3 and cultivate a more robust online community. Last year, NTT unveiled plans to invest heavily in Web3 infrastructure, committing up to $4 billion. The company is also delving into the crypto space with a subsidiary set to launch its own crypto wallet by the end of 2024.
Looking ahead, the Vatican library is considering the possibility of offering virtual or augmented reality tours of the library itself. “I believe that our heritage demands special attention and dedication towards preservation and promotion,” remarked Father Mauro Mantovani, the Vatican Apostolic Library’s prefect.
Embracing a digital transformation for the modern era, the Vatican Library is upholding its longstanding mission of public engagement. Established in the 14th century, the library’s origins trace back to the 4th century as part of the Catholic Church’s extensive collection of historical documents. This latest project underscores the library’s commitment to making its ancient treasures accessible to a wider audience.
In 2020, the Vatican unveiled a revamped website for its library, offering enhanced search features and simplified access to digitized treasures. Users can now delve into high-resolution reproductions of manuscripts, archival materials, coins, medals, and even incunabula – European printed works predating the 16th century.
