The Smithsonian Museum Finally Adds Video Games

The Smithsonian Museum is pretty much the go-to place for everything art-related. From paintings to sculptures to music and what-have-you, the Smithsonian is an enormous display of artistic masterpieces.

But then...where were all the the video games?

Regardless of what Roger "Video Game Hatin'" Ebert has to say, video games are, in fact, a form of creative expression. One could even say that video games combine all forms of art into one, playable piece of art. And with that being the case, it's tough to understand why video games were never given an exhibit of their own at the museum.

Until now, that is.

As it turns out, the Smithsonian Museum has finally decided to give video games an exhibit. So it looks like Mario and Pac-Man finally get to stand next to legends like Mona Lisa and David. What an honor.

The Art of Video Games is an exhibit that "explore[s] the 40-year evolution of video games as an artistic medium, with a focus on striking visual effects, the creative use of new technologies, and the most influential artists and designers." And the exhibit basically displays some of the biggest games of each of the major consoles from the beginning 'til now, as well as a few that are just plain art-sy. The exhibit also touches on how certain games have had significant impacts on the art of the industry as a whole.

To get a better understanding on what the Art of Video Games exhibit is all about, check out this interview with the exhibit's own curator, Chris Melissinos:

And if you're interested in reading about everything the exhibit covers, be sure to check out the book - The Art Of Video Games: From Pac-Man To Mass Effect by Chris Melissinos and Patrick O'Rourke.

The Art of Video Games exhibit runs from now until September 30, so if you can make it to Washington D.C., don't miss out!

Will you be going to see the Art of Video Games exhibit? If not, will you at least be picking up the book?

Source: G4 TV