The demand for an enhanced experience
Covid restrictions for the experience-seeking general public have had the effect of increasing the demand for immersive experiences for when restrictions lift. The onus on families wishing to experience attractions together in a multi-generational experience has also pushed innovations in this field towards Augmented Reality (AR) and projection mapping technology, transporting the visitor into the heart of the attraction/experience.
Attractions – Museums using AV/Immersive:
VR is adding extra dimension to exhibits. Following the trend, The Louvre has now launched its first VR experience for visitors - Mona Lisa: Beyond the Glass. Cincinnati’s Museum of Natural History and Science who launched a VR experience. ‘Jurassic Flight’ allows guests to explore prehistoric skies and interact with dinosaurs.
Other examples seen from around the world include the new Egyptian Museum in Cairo which is opening in 2021 after a 10 year delay on the original planned opening date. There have been significant changes to way the artefacts are displayed from the original museum format - The previous display of artefacts from the tomb of Tutankhamun at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo was simple, allowing the artefacts to speak for themselves. However, the new exhibition at the Grand Egyptian Museum will strive to fully immerse visitors into the pharaoh’s court. It will do this by presenting the objects alongside insights into the way he lived his life. For instance, showing how he dressed and what he ate as well as providing information about his funeral and what he achieved for his country. The museum will use state-of-the-art technology and virtual reality to enable an exciting and new angle on the interpretation.
Another innovative use of VR came via the Museum of Future Experiences (MoFE), a virtual reality pop-up museum in New York. The multi-sensory experience includes analysis, audio-visual stimulation and dreamlike VR curated to visitors’ inner being.
The ‘hyper-immersive experience’ is now becoming a reality. From Disney’s ‘Star Wars – Galaxy’s Edge and the Star Wars Hotel where the experience is ‘lived’, the technology is now being used to the utmost. In the UK there are many attractions developing this type of activity to capture this opportunity post-covid.
‘Doctor Who: Time Fracture’ is due to be a truly immersive Doctor Who experience, featuring 17 realistic worlds, original costumes, and props from episodes of Dr Who sourced from the BBC props store in Cardiff. This experience is due to open in 2021 puts fans at the heart of the story, sending them on a journey across space and time as a challenge awaits them. Visitors play an active part in the story and can engage with actors, or simply watch as the story unfolds.
Immersive media is part of the Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower, the highest observation deck in the US. Having gone through extensive redevelopment of the lower level and up to the 103rd floor, the experience showcases the personality and history of Chicago through a newly enhanced interactive experience.