Cleveland, TN -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/05/2014 -- The Museum Center at 5ive Points is working with Google to help expand the Museum’s collections to the public. Google’s new cultural platform, Google Open Gallery, allows cultural institutions to share collection objects and online exhibitions. The Museum Center at 5ive Points is part of a group of museums that is working with Google to help test and refine the software before it is made available to all museums.

"We jumped on the opportunity to be a part of this," says Executive Director, Hassan Najjar. "We have some fascinating objects in our collection and we can't have them all on display at the same time. It's a great way for the community to learn more about our past."

Eventually, the Museum hopes to include many of their permanent collection items that are fragile and rarely displayed. Most of the images can be magnified to show finer details and the staff is working to add context for each object.

Exhibitions that are no longer on view are also being added. “We are able to extend the life of our exhibitions beyond their closing date,” adds Curator of Collections, Lisa Chastain. “Visitors who were unable to make it to the Museum can see the artifacts that tell the story of our previous exhibitions.”

The Museum Center’s online gallery currently features three exhibitions, including Cleveland Works and Building Cleveland Up, both which have since closed. Additionally, the Museum has opened In the Dirt: The Fast and Dirty World of Dirt Track Racing early. “There were so many photographs, stories and items that came from the community, we were hard pressed to include everything in the exhibition” says Najjar. “The online gallery will allow us to expand the exhibition online.”

The galleries can be accessed by visiting www.museumcenter.org and clicking on "Collections".

The Museum Center at 5ive Points tells the story of the Ocoee region through compelling exhibitions and dynamic educational programming that promotes history, culture, and preservation. The Museum Store features arts, crafts, and books from select artists, craftsman, and authors from within a 200-mile radius. Hours are Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The museum is closed Sunday, Monday, and on select holidays. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and students, and free for children under 5. Members of the Museum receive free admission. Group rates are available and the Museum’s facilities can be rented year-round for weddings and special events.

For further information call 423-339-5745, or visit www.museumcenter.org.