The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam has launched Collectie Online, an online publicly accessible platform comprised of 800,000 works of art in high-definition pixel format, 500,000 books and 800 metres of documentation.

The museum said the platform is “setting a new standard for sharing heritage data”, allowing people to search, download and share images and information.

To link the available collection data, the platform’s designers used the public access system Linked Open Data and AI technology. New data will be constantly added, such as information about findings connected with the restoration of Rembrandt’s Night Watch and, in time, the system will also allow access to resources at other museums.

“The collection of the Rijkmuseum belongs to all,” Rijksmuseum director Taco Dibbets said. “Whether you’re a scientist, an art lover or simply curious, everyone is entitled to the most up to date information. That is why we decided to share as much knowledge and images as possible. Art and history will be brought closer to the public than ever,” he said.

The platform includes tools for users to make and exhibit their collections, make their own interactive video clips, and compare objects.

The Rijksmuseum said it is the first museum to make its collection accessible on this scale.