The National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. has announced a new augmented reality (AR) exhibition focusing on the Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris.
Opening on 15 April, the third anniversary of the Notre-Dame fire in 2019, the 360-degree AR-powered exhibition will offer a look at the cathedral’s 850-year history and ongoing restoration.
“The National Building Museum is the perfect venue for this exhibition to debut in the US,” said Bruno de Sa Moreira, co-founder and CEO of Histovery.
“The museum was established to preserve and celebrate the building arts and its mission is to inspire curiosity about the world we design and build,” he added.
“That focus, and its commitment to prioritise the role of innovation in their programming, is in total alignment with our goals.”
Running through 26 September, the exhibition is designed and produced by Histovery, a French start-up. To navigate the exhibition, each guest will use a ‘HistoPad’, an AR touchscreen tablet developed by Histovery.
‘HistoPad’ AR touchscreen tablet
The device creates immersive and interactive reconstructions, taking visitors back in time. The multi-sensory exhibition includes vinyl replicas of the cathedral’s flooring and stained glass transfers on the windows.
It also features audio of Notre Dame’s organs and tolling bells, as well as a projection of the cathedral’s rose window, which survived the fire.
“We are thrilled to bring this premier exhibition to the United States, and believe it provides a new way to experience one of the world’s most iconic buildings,” said Aileen Fuchs, the National Building Museum’s president and executive director.
“Visitors will experience first-hand how technology can contribute to our understanding of buildings,” she added.
“The unique and immersive virtual nature of the exhibition provides a window into this World Heritage site.”
Created in 2013, the award-winning HistoPad is now used in 15 museums and monuments across France, including the Château de Chambord, Palais des Papes and Conciergerie. It also features at two sites in Germany.
