Beaudry Interactive, an experiential design and production studio that works with themed entertainment, museums, exhibitions, live shows, and branded experiences, has provided its expertise in gamified learning to the Atomic Museum in Las Vegas to help realise the attraction’s ambitions.
The Atomic Museum combines science and storytelling to preserve the history of America’s nuclear weapons testing program in Nevada’s Mojave Desert.
It uses the lessons from the past and present to encourage a better understanding of the nuclear technologies, geopolitical history and effect of nuclear testing on worldwide nuclear deterrence. Its new 2,100 square foot gallery space, Atomic Odyssey, launched in January 2025.
This space offers a fully immersive experience with four interactive exhibits accompanied by environmental soundscapes, lighting, and infographics. A specially commissioned work by artist James Stanford is also on show.
Inspiring wonder & curiosity
Atomic Odyssey was developed in collaboration with Chick Russell & Company and The Producers Group, which delivered the overall concept and managed the project through to installation. Beaudry Interactive was appointed to lead the conceptualisation and development of the interactive experiences and educational content for the infographics within the new space.
The gallery’s four major exhibits have been developed to simplify atomic science concepts, providing an accessible and captivating experience for visitors of all ages.
Matthew Malinowski, director of education at the Atomic Museum, says: “The Atomic Museum had a goal to inspire wonder and curiosity in students and guests by making scientific concepts related to the museum’s content feel approachable and engaging.
“Beaudry Interactive brought the vision of Atomic Odyssey to life in a way that is simply awe-inspiring with products that are not only scientifically accurate, but unique and vibrant. Our visitors are connecting with science in beautiful and energetic new ways that have helped the Atomic Museum see the pathway forward in our continued evolution.”
Crafted content
Beaudry Interactive’s methodology combines creative innovation, technical skill, and bespoke educational content to create coherent and impactful interactives.
Key features of this project are:
- Educational impact. The exhibits reflect STEM curriculum standards to meet the needs of school groups and lifelong learners.
- Intuitive interfaces. Every exhibit includes easy-to-use graphical interfaces with bold, contemporary visuals and animations that are accessible to all users.
- Installation and integration. The interactive exhibits and control systems were installed and integrated to deliver smooth operation and an optimal guest experience.
- Show control. Beaudry Interactive’s proprietary and automated show control software and application manager, Diva, guarantees reliable operation for all interactives, with minimal staffing requirements. In addition, it includes a thorough report log, which enables the team to respond quickly and effectively as required.
- Subject matter experts. Valeria Beaudry, principal of Beaudry Interactive, provided all scientific content for the project, to include the interactives and infographics.
“I believe that the secret to great projects lies in collective intelligence and collaboration,” says Beaudry. “Our team was thrilled to be invited by Chick Russell (Chick Russell & Company, Inc.) and Bob Chambers of The Producers Group, veterans of our industry, to bring gamified learning expertise to this project.
“I surprised myself how much I enjoyed going back to my education roots when I was working with the Atomic Museum’s staff, its scientists and advisors on crafting educational content that any guest of this unique museum may find interesting, easily understood and engaging.
“Our team was delighted to partner with D.C.Hibbs Inc. and Cryptic Industries on the production design and fabrication of the physical sets that house Atomic Odyssey interactives.”
Joseph Kent, deputy director and curator at Atomic Museum, says: “From start to finish, the team at Beaudry Interactive was an absolute joy to work with.
“They listened closely to our feedback and were very receptive to our suggestions and concerns. It was impressive watching them take the basic concepts we had for the interactives and turn them into tangible, absorbing experiences that exceeded our expectations and brought the entire Atomic Odyssey exhibit together.”
Recently, Beaudry Interactive helped to create zone-wide activations for the underwater-themed Currents zone aboard Carnival Jubilee, Carnival Cruise Line’s newest Excel Class ship.
The Currents zone is a two-deck-high promenade with a huge wave-shaped LED ceiling, six LED windows, show lighting, and an immersive sound system. This spectacular space is between the ship’s theatre and dining area, immersing guests in a sea of sound, light and media.
