Celebrating Australian Beauty with Immersive Sound and Light

A Journey Through Time and Nature

Stepping into the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, visitors were transported back to the 18th century, embarking on a voyage alongside Captain James Cook and renowned naturalist Sir Joseph Banks. The exhibition, Beauty Rich and Rare, offered an immersive experience that reimagined the historic 1770 expedition of the HMS Endeavour, which marked the first recorded European contact with Australia’s eastern coastline

Commissioned by the National Library of Australia and brought to life by AGB Creative, this digital masterpiece illuminated the unique flora and fauna of Australia. Through meticulous recreations of original illustrations and journals from the voyage, attendees were enveloped in a 20-minute visual and auditory narrative that celebrated the continent’s rich biodiversity and the spirit of exploration.

Immersive Sound and Light
WASHINGTON, DC – DECEMBER 18: Beauty Rich and Rare Exhibit at the Smithsonian Institute National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC on December 18, 2019. (Photo by Richie Downs / Asico Photo)

Technical Excellence Behind the Scenes

To achieve the exhibition’s immersive quality, AGB Creative enlisted AVFX to provide the technical infrastructure. AVFX designed and implemented a 64-foot array of five synchronized projection screens accompanied by surround sound, ensuring that every visitor felt fully immersed in the journey. The precise calibration of visuals and audio elements created a seamless environment that honored the historical significance of the content while engaging modern audiences.

Bridging History and Modernity

Beauty Rich and Rare stood as a testament to the power of combining historical artifacts with contemporary technology. By integrating centuries-old illustrations with state-of-the-art projection and sound design, the exhibition offered a unique platform for storytelling that resonated with diverse audiences. It highlighted the importance of preserving history while embracing innovative methods to share it with the world.

The immersive exhibition and accompanying artifacts will be on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History until July 5, 2020.

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