London Transport Museum has teamed up with Musemio, an immersive app company for children that specialises in cultural learning, to create a virtual reality (VR) game called ‘Secret Shelter Challenge’.
Designed by Musemio alongside the museum’s historical experts, the innovative game allows kids to experience what it was like to shelter underground while bombs were dropped over London during the Second World War.
“Through this new virtual reality app we’ve brought the secret history of Clapham South deep-level shelter to life for a new younger audience,” said Chris Nix, assistant director of collections and engagement at London Transport Museum.
‘Secret Shelter Challenge’ for kids
“Kids are going to love exploring the maze of spooky tunnels with little Margaret, Queen Mouse and Grumpy Teddy.”
Players will travel through time to 1944, reliving accounts from families staying at Clapham South deep-level shelter during WW2. Users join schoolgirl Margaret as they recover a secret passcode to keep the time machine portal open.
“This lively immersive game will help children understand what life was like for previous generations during the Second World War,” said Fenella Goodhart, head of learning at London Transport Museum.
‘Secret Shelter Challenge’ is an interactive game, with children completing a series of challenges such as quizzes, riddles and a scavenger hunt. Users can interact with the objects and characters they encounter.
Musemio, an immersive app company
“Our Musemio team provided the technological creativity and know-how and fused this with the magical history of the secret tunnels at Clapham South,” said Olga Kravchenko, founder and CEO of Musemio.
Historic photographs and videos of the Clapham South deep-level shelter, which is not currently accessible to children aged 13 and under, enabled Musemio to recreate and interpret the space.
“Since meeting Musemio’s founders over two years ago we’ve been impressed with their innovative approach to gameplay and mission to make culture more accessible to children which aligns with our own aims,” said Elizabeth McKay, chief operating officer for London Transport Museum.
‘Secret Shelter Challenge’ is available as an in-app purchase for £2.99 per download as part of the free Musemio app on the App Store and Google Play.
Images: London Transport Museum/Musemio
