Museo Kosmos in Pavia introduces a groundbreaking immersive experience, “You Are Darwin”, a hybrid of virtual reality and live interaction that allows visitors to step into the shoes of Charles Darwin. Created in collaboration with Way Experience, VIS, and the University of Pavia’s Museum System, this European premiere offers a unique, multi-sensory journey through Darwin’s world and his revolutionary theory of evolution.
The Museo Kosmos in Pavia is unveiling a pioneering experience that merges reality with virtual exploration. “You Are Darwin,” which opens to the public on October 2, 2022, offers an innovative way to engage with Charles Darwin’s evolutionary journey. This cutting-edge project combines live exhibits with virtual reality, allowing visitors to experience firsthand the observations that led Darwin to his groundbreaking theory of natural selection.
Developed by Way Experience, VIS, and the University of Pavia’s Museum System, “You Are Darwin” is a product of the InnovaMusei initiative, a program supported by Regione Lombardia, Unioncamere Lombardia, and Fondazione Cariplo, and sponsored by the City of Pavia. The project aims to foster innovative approaches to museum experiences, utilizing digital tools to enhance the understanding of cultural and scientific heritage.
The experience offers a unique hybrid journey where visitors, equipped with virtual reality headsets, navigate both the physical space of Museo Kosmos and virtual environments inspired by Darwin’s travels. It’s the first time that a museum allows guests to explore its real collections while simultaneously immersing themselves in the world of Darwin through virtual reality.
The adventure begins with Darwin’s study at Down House, where visitors hear directly from Darwin as he narrates his life, ideas, and the significance of his voyage aboard the HMS Beagle. From there, the journey moves into a virtual exploration of Brazil’s Amazon rainforest, showcasing the vibrant ecosystem that influenced Darwin’s thinking on biodiversity. In the Pampas of Argentina, visitors experience Darwin’s geological observations and the evidence of Earth’s transformation, which underpins the theory of evolution.
The final stop transports visitors to the Galápagos Islands, where they witness the iconic wildlife, including iguanas and giant tortoises, and see the origins of Darwin’s revolutionary theory.
VIS played a vital role in the success of “You Are Darwin,” providing immersive virtual experiences that brought Darwin’s theories to life in a highly interactive and engaging format. This collaboration demonstrates how the integration of cutting-edge digital technology can revolutionize the way we experience and understand history, science, and evolution.
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