The revitalisation introduces cutting-edge upgrades to nearly every aspect of the show, ensuring that Beyond All Boundaries continues to inspire museum visitors for years to come.
Completed in September 2025, the project reflects 11 months of collaboration between THG Creative and the Museum’s in-house team, providing advanced technology, improved performance, and a renewed environment that respects the original production’s legacy while increasing its influence.
Keeping a powerful story alive
“We’re honored that the Museum remains so deeply committed to keeping this powerful story alive,” says Phil Hettema, founder of THG Creative.
“Beyond All Boundaries has always been about honoring the experiences and sacrifices of those who lived through World War II. Our goal in this refresh was to ensure that same emotional impact continues to resonate with audiences today and into the future, told with the immersive power that modern technology allows.”
“Since it opened, Beyond All Boundaries has laid the groundwork for millions of visitors’ journeys through the Museum,” adds the museum's president & CEO, Stephen J. Watson.
“These upgrades bring this beloved signature experience into a new era, underscoring our commitment to providing future visitors with a first-rate experience that educates and inspires.”
With the updated Beyond All Boundaries experience, The National WWII Museum and THG once more offer a unique, emotionally impactful journey that links visitors to the sacrifices and successes of the WWII generation.
This initiative follows the recent debut of the renowned Priddy Family Foundation Freedom Theater in the Museum’s Liberation Pavilion, which received a Thea Award in 2025 for Outstanding Achievement.
Cutting-edge improvements
The new Beyond All Boundaries installation features a range of technical advancements aimed at enhancing performance, energy efficiency, and ease of maintenance while preserving the show’s distinctive emotional impact.
These upgrades include a new speaker system and audio infrastructure that improve clarity and dynamic range, as well as a complete upgrade to the LED show lighting, which reduces the fixture count by half and earns the museum an energy efficiency credit.
Additionally, the show-action equipment has been converted to electric motors, decreasing maintenance requirements and environmental impact.
The theatre environment has been revitalised with refreshed show sets and paint treatments, and modernised special effects now operate more quietly, maintaining emotional pacing while increasing comfort and reliability.
To further immerse audiences, audio-driven seat rumblers, or “butt kicker” transducers, have been installed, offering greater flexibility and realism during the rumble sequences.
These updates collectively provide a more seamless and effective sensory experience for visitors, while also offering the museum’s operations team greater control and accuracy.
While the core of Beyond All Boundaries remains unchanged, THG Creative has reimagined certain moments for modern audiences. The aircraft carrier scene was revamped with a new gun prop and improved timing to boost its dramatic impact.
In the pre-show, Tom Hanks returned to reprise his role, providing a refreshed introduction that connects the original production to a new generation of visitors.
A long-standing partnership
The museum and THG Creative share a history of innovation and trust, having recently collaborated on the Thea Award-winning Freedom Theater.
That partnership continued through this upgrade, beginning with an initial “wish list” from the Museum and evolving into a comprehensive revitalisation plan.
“We were excited to partner once again with THG Creative to thoughtfully modernize Beyond All Boundaries,” says Watson.
“Together, we were able to reimagine the show in a way that honors the original production while embracing technological advancements and enhancing the experience for today’s audiences.”
The work involved considerable logistical hurdles. The Solomon Victory Theater is a small, intricate space that demands coordination among as many as 40 crew members working closely together.
Despite these limitations, the team not only met but surpassed expectations, finishing the refresh ahead of schedule.
“From the beginning, this project was about listening and understanding what the Museum needed operationally and technically, and then creatively delivering those improvements without compromising the heart of the show,” says Annie Cantele, project manager at THG Creative.
“Overseeing the project from planning through installation, and working side by side with the Museum team on site, we were able to modernize the systems and ultimately enhance the guest experience while staying true to the emotional impact that has defined Beyond All Boundaries."
A memorable experience
As the Museum further develops its campus and exhibitions, Beyond All Boundaries remains a key feature, offering an immersive look at the human cost and courage during World War II.
The updated production guarantees that future visitors will feel the same awe and empathy that inspired audiences at its debut.
“From the beginning, our goal has been to create an experience that is both deeply moving and technologically groundbreaking,” says creative producer Charlie Otte.
“The upgrades ensure that Beyond All Boundaries continues to honor the sacrifices of the WWII generation while inspiring future visitors to reflect on the lessons of history.”
Last month, THG Creative announced leadership transitions that reflect the company’s ongoing evolution and long-term growth strategy. Erik Neergaard has been named chief executive officer, and Phil Hettema is taking on the title of founder.
The changes, resulting from the 2022 merger of The Hettema Group and Themespace, emphasise the company’s ongoing international expansion and the essential roles both leaders will continue to play in shaping THG Creative’s future.
Credit Justin Sutcliffe
Nick Park, Peter Lord, and David Sproxton Credit Justin Sutcliffe
Credit Justin Sutcliffe
Credit Justin Sutcliffe