The Metropolitan Museum of Art has introduced Art Links, a new short-session game that enables players to explore common themes and intriguing connections between various artworks within The Met’s collection. This initiative marks the institution’s first Web3-based experience, utilizing blockchain technology to offer an innovative approach to audience engagement. Developed in collaboration with art and technology platform TRLab, the game is designed primarily for mobile browsers and provides participants with an opportunity to earn NFT badges and unlock both digital and in-person rewards. Art Links became available on January 23 through The Met’s official website.
The game follows a serialized format, presenting fresh challenges on a weekly basis. Over 140 artworks from The Met’s extensive collection have been incorporated, encouraging players to form chains of related pieces. By successfully linking artworks, participants can earn free NFT badges and complete challenges to receive additional in-game achievements. Following the initial launch, new challenges will be introduced every Thursday at 12:01 a.m. EST for a duration of 12 weeks. Players who accumulate achievements stand a chance to win exclusive perks such as exhibition catalogues, discounts at The Met Store, and guided tours led by curators.
Expanding Artistic Connections Through Gameplay
The initiative is positioned as a significant advancement in digital audience interaction, offering a unique way to explore and understand art across different time periods and movements. The game features four main types of connections: Highlights, which emphasize key artworks and artistic movements; Material, which focuses on the techniques used in creating the artworks; Emojis, which showcase visual symbols and signs; and Web3, which explores artistic themes related to blockchain concepts such as security, ledgers, and randomization.
A variety of themes will be introduced throughout the 12-week period, including “Objects in Disguise,” which highlights artworks made from unconventional or deceptive materials, and “Art x Tech,” which presents pieces that reflect artists’ interactions with technological advancements. Another notable theme, “Harlem as Muse,” celebrates artists who have drawn inspiration from Harlem, featuring works by Romare Bearden, Faith Ringgold, and Jacob Lawrence.
The selection of artworks for the game was curated by Destinee Filmore, an Assistant Curator in the Department of Modern and Contemporary Art, alongside a team representing various departments across The Met’s collection. Each chain within the game includes at least one piece from the museum’s 20th- and 21st-century collection, ensuring a broad and interconnected artistic experience.
Blockchain Integration and Accessibility Features
The game incorporates blockchain-powered features by allowing players to earn a total of 12 free NFT badges, one for each weekly challenge. Additionally, participants can gain seven achievements through in-game tasks, with five achievements available at no cost and two offered for purchase at an accessible price. The system is built on Base, Coinbase’s Layer 2 blockchain, and supports cryptocurrency transactions alongside traditional payment methods through MoonPay and Stripe.
Each gaming session involves constructing a seven-piece chain consisting of six connections made up of words, emojis, or artworks. The challenge is progressively structured, spanning three rounds of increasing complexity. Players are granted four attempts to successfully complete each chain, and prior knowledge of art history is not required. The game includes interactive learning moments, where users can access additional information about artworks and artists through built-in icons.
Designed with inclusivity in mind, Art Links features accessibility enhancements such as screen-reader-friendly code and detailed visual descriptions for all in-game imagery. These features were developed in consultation with The Met’s Access team and testers from The Filomen M. D’Agostino Greenberg Music School, ensuring a user-friendly experience for individuals with visual impairments.
The Met’s Commitment to Digital Innovation
As part of The Met’s broader digital strategy, Art Links is set to be prominently featured on the museum’s website and social media platforms. The museum, which operates across two iconic locations in New York City—The Met Fifth Avenue and The Met Cloisters—continues to extend its global reach through online initiatives. Established in 1870, The Met has long aspired to serve as more than a repository of valuable artifacts, instead fostering an environment where art remains dynamic and accessible through exhibitions, events, and digital engagement.
By integrating emerging technologies such as Web3, The Met is reinforcing its mission to create meaningful cultural experiences, allowing audiences to discover, interact with, and deepen their appreciation for art in new and compelling ways.
