NEW YORK, NY.- On May 19, the Guggenheim will host its second Wikipedia “edit-a-thon” and is donating 100 images of artworks from its collection to Wikipedia. During the event, participants at the museum and online will add information about these artworks and the artists who created them, including Edgar Degas, Paul Klee, and Vincent Van Gogh, to Wikipedia, the world’s largest free source of knowledge.

The free edit-a-thon is an opportunity to explore the history of the Guggenheim’s collection, the impact of artworks within the artistic movements of their time, and their legacy and influence on future artists. Using the donated images as a starting point, participants will enhance the scholarship and understanding of key artists and works in the museum’s collection.

The program will begin with an overview of the development of the Guggenheim’s collection, presented by Natalia Lauricella, Curatorial Assistant, Collections and Exhibitions. A presentation on the impact of donating images of artworks to Wikipedia by Wikimedia NYC president Richard Knipel will follow. Afterward, attendees will be invited on a free tour of the Guggenheim Museum’s Thannhauser Collection, led by gallery educator Lewis Kachur, on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Guggenheim’s first Wikipedia edit-a-thon took place last year in conjunction with Archtober, New York’s month-long architecture festival. Staff members from NYC museums, architects, architectural scholars, and students came together to enhance and expand the topic of museum architecture on Wikipedia, creating new pages dedicated to museum architecture as well as making significant edits to pages relating to the Guggenheim Helsinki Design Competition, the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, and the Guggenheim Museum.

To participate in person at the Guggenheim on May 19, register for free in advance. New and experienced editors are welcome. The event will include a training session for participants who are new to Wikipedia, and instructors will be on hand to provide editing support. Not in New York? Participate remotely and follow #guggathon on Twitter for updates throughout the day.