West Palm Beach launches new digital public art guide on Bloomberg Connects expanding access to citywide cultural experiences

West Palm Beach, Florida – The city of West Palm Beach is taking a major step into the digital arts space, unveiling a new way for residents and visitors to experience public art without limits of time or place. On April 16, officials announced the launch of a digital public art guide through Bloomberg Connects, a free platform designed to bring cultural experiences directly to users’ devices.

At first glance, it might seem like just another app feature. But the implications are broader. With this move, West Palm Beach joins a global network of more than 1,200 institutions already featured on Bloomberg Connects, including world-renowned names like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Tate, and Hammer Museum. It is a significant moment for a city whose public art scene has been steadily growing in both scale and ambition.

The new guide is accessible through both mobile devices and web browsers, offering a flexible experience for users whether they are walking through downtown streets or browsing from home. It is built with multimedia in mind—audio clips, video segments, and expert insights all layered together to create a more immersive way of understanding art. Instead of simply viewing a sculpture or mural, users can now hear the story behind it, learn about the artist, and see how it fits into the city’s broader cultural identity.

At the center of the launch is the debut of the “Downtown Essentials” walking audio tour. Carefully curated, the tour highlights nine key artworks scattered across the city’s downtown core. These pieces represent a mix of internationally recognized creators and local talent, reflecting the diverse artistic voices that shape West Palm Beach’s Art in Public Places program. For users, the tour functions as both a guide and a narrative—one that unfolds step by step, piece by piece.

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City leaders see the initiative as more than a technological upgrade. It is, in many ways, a shift in how public art is shared and experienced.

“This platform reflects our continued commitment to accessibility and innovation,” said Keith A. James. “By bringing our public art program to Bloomberg Connects, we are removing barriers to access, ensuring that language, mobility, or location are no longer obstacles to experiencing arts and culture. Whether onsite or exploring remotely, this technology makes it easier for everyone to connect with our public art.”

His remarks highlight a central goal of the project: inclusion. Public art, by its nature, is meant to be open and available. But physical access, language differences, and even simple lack of information can limit how people engage with it. By translating the experience into a digital format, the city is attempting to close those gaps.

The guide also brings a sense of cohesion to the city’s expanding collection. West Palm Beach is home to both permanent installations and temporary works that rotate throughout the year. Previously, discovering them often required local knowledge or chance encounters. Now, everything is gathered into a single, easy-to-navigate platform, offering users a clear path through the city’s artistic landscape.

Behind the technology is Bloomberg Philanthropies, which developed Bloomberg Connects as part of its broader mission to support innovation in the arts. The app has steadily expanded, partnering with cultural organizations around the world to provide free digital guides that enhance both in-person visits and remote exploration. Its features—ranging from interactive maps to curated audio commentary—are designed to deepen engagement rather than replace the physical experience.

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For West Palm Beach, the timing feels right. As cities increasingly look for ways to blend physical spaces with digital tools, the launch of this guide places the city at the intersection of tradition and innovation. It preserves the essence of public art—its presence in shared spaces—while extending its reach far beyond geographic boundaries.

The experience, ultimately, is designed to be simple. Users can download the app or access the guide online, select the West Palm Beach collection, and begin exploring. Whether standing in front of a sculpture or sitting thousands of miles away, the journey unfolds in much the same way—through stories, sounds, and visuals that bring each piece to life.

As the city continues to expand its public art program, the digital guide is expected to grow alongside it, adding new works and features over time. For now, it offers a fresh perspective on something familiar—a reminder that art, even when rooted in a specific place, can reach far beyond it when given the right tools.