US art museum the Minneapolis Institute of Art (MIA) has launched a new augmented reality (AR) app that is able to transform spaces into giant puzzles.

Taking visitors through 12 puzzles, ‘Riddle Mia This’ encourages people to interact with works of art, as well as Mia’s physical space, inviting them to search for clues in 12 galleries spread across two floors.

The app was developed by technology architect Colin McFadden and digital preservation specialist Samantha Thi Porter of the University of Minnesota.

It was created in collaboration with MIA staff, manufacturing and technology giant 3M and game developer community project Glitch.



“This project was a true adventure that involved just as much time exploring the museum’s galleries as sitting at a computer,” said Porter.

“We’re extremely thankful for this unique opportunity to combine our interests in games, technology, and the arts and are excited to have finally brought it to life and share it with the world. We hope the public has as much fun playing ‘Riddle Mia This’ as we did making it.”

The app is free to download via Apple’s App Store and Google Play and pre-loaded devices can be borrowed from the museum.