Enhancing museum visits through immersive experiences
Museums have long been guardians of culture and history, providing visitors with a window into the past. However, in today’s digital age, traditional museum exhibits may not always capture the attention of tech-savvy audiences. To address this challenge, Novelab, one of Mantu’s brands, specializing in virtual and augmented reality technologies, has been at the forefront of revolutionizing the museum experience.
By seamlessly blending the physical and digital worlds, Novelab’s immersive experiences have breathed new life into museums, captivating visitors and offering unique and memorable educational opportunities. Let’s explore some of their projects and how virtual and augmented reality technologies can benefit museums.
Journeying through time: the power of virtual reality
One of Novelab’s notable projects took place in the picturesque territory of Cœur et Coteaux du Comminges in the South of France. By creating six interconnected virtual reality experiences, Novelab transported visitors on a captivating journey through different historical periods. These experiences, complementing permanent exhibitions, allowed visitors to immerse themselves in the past and explore the cultural heritage of the region.
From prehistoric times to the modern era, visitors could actively engage with history by painting cave art, participating in medieval choreography, or even dismantling an engine in a dark garage. These immersive experiences not only entertained visitors but also offered a deeper understanding of historical contexts and artifacts.
Revitalizing ancient battles: MuséoParc Alésia
At the MuséoParc Alésia in Bourgogne, Novelab collaborated on a redesign of the scenographic visit through interactive installations. Here, visitors could step back in time to witness the battle between the Gauls and Romans during the siege of Alesia in 52 BC.
Through the “Virtual Excavation” game, visitors took on the role of apprentice archaeologists, engaging in different stages of excavation at the Alesia site. By observing, excavating, and interpreting artifacts, visitors gained insights into the excavation process and the historical significance of the site.
Additionally, the “Combat Game” provided visitors with a unique opportunity to experience the battles of the past in a safe and interactive way; by learning combat gestures and engaging in a simulated duel, visitors can gain a better understanding of the tactics and strategies used against the enemy, further deepening their understanding of the battles that took place.
Overall, the implication of interactive technologies has enhanced MuséoParc Alésia’s experience and provided visitors with a deeper appreciation for history and archaeology.
Bringing space exploration to life
Novelab’s partnership with La Cité de l’espace, a space-themed park and museum in Toulouse, France, implied the creation of interactive installations in a science museum context. For the “Astronauts” exhibition, Novelab developed interactive devices that allowed visitors to experience the realities of life on board the International Space Station.
Through scenarios, animations, and motion capture, visitors gained insights into the challenges faced by astronauts. Similarly, in the “Moon, Episode II” exhibition, visitors could engage in a lunar expedition, experiencing the effects of gravity and exploring a simulated lunar environment.
Novelab’s contributions to the new scientific mediation space dedicated to rover exploration offered visitors the opportunity to listen to rover stories and understand the scientific objectives and technological challenges associated with Mars missions.
Monet’s water lily obsession: a VR Experience
In collaboration with the Musée de l’Orangerie, Novelab brought Claude Monet’s iconic water lily paintings to life through a VR experience. Visitors were transported into Monet’s garden, his workshop, and the exhibition rooms of the museum.
Through a sensory journey and a dialogue between Monet and his friend Clemenceau, users immersed themselves in the world of water lilies, witnessing the perpetual renewal of nature and exploring the artist’s works in a whole new way. VR Technology applied to art can bring to life a whole new experience, enabling one to appreciate and interact with masterpieces with a completely different and innovative approach.
The cutting-edge use of technology to shape the future of museums
Novelab’s immersive experiences for museums have successfully engaged visitors on multiple levels by bringing history to life. Visitors can participate in different time periods, witness ancient battles, and explore archaeological sites. These immersive technologies also make space exploration more tangible by enabling visitors to experience the thrill of lunar expeditions.
Immersive experiences offer museums a powerful tool to captivate and educate visitors in innovative ways. By combining interactive storytelling, realistic simulations, and engaging gameplay, museums can create memorable experiences that appeal to a wide range of audiences. Through immersive experiences, museums are offered the chance to provide accessibility features that cater to diverse audiences, making museum experiences more inclusive. These technologies provide an opportunity to bridge the gap between the past and the present and enable visitors to immerse themselves in historical contexts.
As technology continues to advance, the possibilities that immersive experiences can bring to the table for the museum industry are limitless. By embracing virtual and augmented reality, museums can stay at the forefront of innovation and reimagine the way we engage with art, history, and science. Collaborating with companies like Novelab, museums have the opportunity to transform into immersive and interactive spaces that foster a deeper connection between visitors and exhibits.