Souvenir Idea For
Thunder Bay Art Gallery
The Thunder Bay Art Gallery (TBAG), located in Northwestern Ontario, is one of Canada's most distinctive public art galleries, renowned for its exceptional collection of contemporary Indigenous art. Established in 1976, TBAG features over 1,000 works spanning traditional and contemporary Indigenous artistic practices, alongside Canadian contemporary art. The gallery's striking architecture, designed by Patkau Architects, offers 25,000 square feet of exhibition space with stunning views of Lake Superior. As a cultural hub for Thunder Bay and the broader region, TBAG hosts rotating exhibitions, educational programs, and community events. Now, with arTag™ Smart Souvenir Coins featuring NFC technology and AR guide service, visitors can take home an interactive custom souvenir that transforms their gallery experience into a lasting digital journey.
Your Digital Journey with Custom Smart Souvenir Coins
Featured Exhibits Enhanced by AR Souvenir Coins
Norval Morrisseau Collection
Unlock immersive 3D views of works by the legendary Anishinaabe artist known as the "Picasso of the North." Your interactive AR souvenir coin reveals the symbolic meanings behind his vibrant Woodland School style, bringing cultural stories to life through user digital experience technology.
Contemporary Indigenous Voices
Scan featured contemporary Indigenous artworks with your NFC souvenir coin to hear directly from living artists about their creative processes, cultural connections, and the powerful messages embedded in their work through this custom AR guide service.
Group of Seven Connections
Discover how Thunder Bay's dramatic landscape inspired iconic Canadian artists. Your smart souvenir coin's WebAR technology overlays historical photographs and comparative views, connecting gallery works to the actual Northwestern Ontario vistas that inspired them.
Traditional Craft & Beadwork
Experience the intricate detail of traditional Anishinaabe beadwork and craftsmanship through AR zoom features enabled by your interactive coins. See close-up details invisible to the naked eye and learn about the cultural significance of patterns and materials used.
Rotating Contemporary Exhibitions
Your custom coins provide access to exclusive AR content for special exhibitions. As new shows are installed, tap your NFC souvenir coin to unlock updated content, artist interviews, and behind-the-scenes installation footage for ongoing engagement.
The Gallery Building Story
Point your smart souvenir coin at the gallery's architectural features to reveal AR overlays showing the award-winning building's design evolution, sustainable construction methods, and how the structure honors the land and Lake Superior's presence through custom souvenirs technology.
Where to Get Your Smart Souvenir Coins
- Gallery Admission Desk: Purchase your arTag™ custom coins with AR guide service immediately upon entry to enhance your entire visit with interactive digital experience features.
- TBAG Gift Shop: Available at the gallery store alongside traditional custom souvenirs, these NFC souvenir coins are presented in premium packaging perfect for gifts or personal keepsakes.
- Combination Packages: Special bundled offers include gallery admission plus your smart souvenir coin at a discounted rate, maximizing your interactive experience value.
- Online Pre-Order: Reserve your AR souvenir coins before your visit through the TBAG website and pick them up at will-call for immediate activation upon arrival.
How to Use Your Interactive Coins
Step 1: Activate Your Custom Souvenir
Tap the NFC souvenir coin with your smartphone or scan the QR code. Scratch off the activation code on your backing card and enter it to unlock your personalized WebAR guide service – no app download required.
Step 2: Begin Your AR Experience
Your browser automatically launches the interactive digital experience platform. Grant camera permissions to enable the AR guide service features that will transform how you explore the gallery's collection.
Step 3: Scan Featured Artworks
Look for the arTag™ markers throughout the gallery. Point your phone's camera at designated artworks and exhibits to unlock 3D models, artist commentary, cultural context, and immersive AR content through your smart souvenir coin.
Step 4: Access Anytime, Anywhere
Your custom coins remain your permanent gateway. Long after your visit, tap your NFC souvenir coin to revisit your collected AR content, share your user digital experience with friends, and explore newly added gallery exhibitions and custom souvenirs.
Benefits for Thunder Bay Art Gallery
Premium Revenue Stream
These custom smart souvenir coins offer exceptional profit margins compared to traditional gallery souvenirs. Visitors perceive high value in the combined physical collectible and ongoing digital experience, justifying premium pricing while providing TBAG with sustainable revenue growth.
Extended Visitor Engagement
Unlike traditional custom souvenirs that gather dust, these NFC souvenir coins keep visitors connected to TBAG long after their visit. The interactive coins become touchpoints for ongoing communication, exhibition updates, and virtual events, building lasting relationships with your audience.
Social Media Growth
The WebAR guide service includes integrated social sharing features and direct links to TBAG's social media accounts. Visitors naturally share their unique AR souvenir coin experiences, creating authentic user-generated content that expands the gallery's digital presence and attracts new visitors.
Enhanced Educational Impact
Smart souvenir coins with AR guide service provide deeper cultural and artistic context than static labels alone. The immersive user digital experience makes Indigenous art history and contemporary practices more accessible, particularly for younger visitors accustomed to interactive technology and custom souvenirs.
Valuable Visitor Analytics
These interactive coins provide TBAG with data on which exhibits generate the most engagement, how visitors navigate the gallery, and demographic patterns. These insights inform future exhibition planning, custom coins design, and marketing strategies for more effective gallery management.
Innovative Brand Positioning
Offering cutting-edge NFC souvenir coins and AR technology positions Thunder Bay Art Gallery as a forward-thinking institution that honors traditional art while embracing innovation. This distinctive approach to custom souvenirs attracts tech-savvy visitors and generates positive media attention for the gallery.
Transform Your Gallery Experience with Smart Souvenir Coins
Discover how arTag™ custom coins with NFC technology and AR guide service can revolutionize visitor engagement at Thunder Bay Art Gallery. Create lasting connections through interactive digital experiences that honor Indigenous art and culture while driving sustainable revenue growth through premium custom souvenirs.
Get Started with Custom AR Souvenir Coins