YouTube inaugural video preserved as a historical document in a museum
The internet was a much quieter place on April 23, 2005. A 19 second video showing a man standing in front of elephants would create a permanent change for the world. The video "Me at the Zoo" has now become an authentic art display which exists at London's Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A).
This device operates as a simple display which shows a particular video segment. The V&A exhibit contains an exact duplicate of the YouTube interface which was first created in 2005. The moment of cofounder Jawed Karim uploading the platform's inaugural content can be seen through this restoration. The museum presents the historic page update which lets visitors observe how global cultural movements began.
The project required extensive collaboration between multiple organizations who participated in the following activities
- V&A Museum Curators Experts who have been collecting decorative arts since the 19th century.
- Interactive Design Studio 'oio' Specialists in digital reconstructions.
- YouTube's UX Team The designers responsible for the site’s current user experience and interface.
The exhibit presents internet "DNA" content which goes beyond the actual footage. Visitors can see early versions of the buttons icons and UI elements that have since become the standard for how we navigate the web today. The study demonstrates how design selections evolved into essential elements which define digital communication during modern times.
If you are in London you can view the exhibit at its physical location. Here are the details
- Location The "Design 1900 Now" gallery in South Kensington.
- Special Feature The East Repository will provide viewers with a behindthescenes demonstration of the technical methods which were used to recreate the site.
YouTube CEO Neel Mohan noted that this exhibit isn't just about nostalgia; it’s about recognizing the starting point of the creator economy. The digital world has experienced remarkable progress during the last 20 years which appeals to both technology fans and art enthusiasts.
