The National WWII Museum in New Orleans is using the third largest individual gift in its history to complete its Liberation Pavilion, which will include an immersive theatre experience created by the Hettema Group.
The $7.5 million donation from the Priddy Family Foundation will go towards completing the Liberation Pavilion and developing the Priddy Family Foundation Freedom Theater, which will house a cinematic experience.
The Hettema Group, an experiential design firm, previously collaborated with the National WWII Museum to develop the Solomon Victory Theater’s ‘Beyond All Boundaries’ 4D experience.
“We’re honored to collaborate with the National WWII Museum once again on this highly-anticipated expansion,” said Phil Hettema, the Hettema Group’s president and creative executive.
Liberation Pavilion due to open in 2023
Hettema added: “Our unique and engaging production for the Liberation Pavilion’s Priddy Family Foundation Freedom Theater will highlight how the sacrifices made to defend our freedom during World War II continue to shape us today.”
Audiences will embark on a 20-minute multi-sensory experience that utilises cutting-edge technology to highlight “the ongoing struggle to preserve freedom”, said Stephen Watson, the museum’s president and CEO.
The Liberation Pavilion is expected to open in late spring 2023. It will boast two floors of exhibition space featuring personal experiences, imagery and artefacts, and immersive settings. The theatre will be located on the pavilion’s third floor.
“Our mission is becoming even more critical as those who served in World War II pass away, and it is our responsibility to ensure that future generations understand the lasting impact of their sacrifice,” Watson said.
“We hope that the central theme of human freedom and the exploration of ‘what World War II means today’ will inspire all who see it to reflect on the meaning of freedom and their role in preserving it,” said Robert Priddy.
