On June 12, past and present meet at the Ayala Museum as it took a huge stride towards digital modernization with the introduction of a dynamic 3D Augmented Reality (AR) feature to supplement the museum’s Diorama Experience of Philippine History exhibition.
The significant upgrade to the dioramas was made possible in partnership with the Harish and Johnsen Group. Notably, these dioramas which are visual depictions of iconic scenes in Philippine history were already present since the inaugural exhibition of Ayala Museum when it opened in 1974.
“An iconic part of childhood for many a Filipino thanks to school tours and family visits to the museum, the Dioramas were envisioned to be a compelling way to tell the rich history of our country,” described Mariles Gustilo, senior director for Arts and Culture of Ayala Foundation, Inc.
To experience the new AR feature conceptualized, designed, and developed by Harish & Johnsen–further supported by Globe, Avida Land,and Power Mac Center–users can simply rent special AR units in upon entering the museum of which they can use within the Diorama Experience of Philippine History exhibition. Triggering the AR is simple, visitors just have to prop the device in front of one of eighteen AR-ready dioramas. Through the display of the device, historic scenes will be brought to life in animations, sound effects, and voice narrations.
“We’ve given the Diorama Exhibit a whole new experience, not only by combining but actually bridging the gap between traditional arts and sophisticated science. We are not just revolutionizing the experience but we are actually witnessing evolution unwrap itself right before our very eyes, at the palm of our hands – literally. And it is here at the museum.” said Shirah Ragos Segarra, vice president of The Harish & Johnsen Group.
This feat is the first 3D-on-3D augmented reality feature offered by a museum in the Philippines and Asia. During the launch, Globe postpaid subscribers were treated with free admission and were able to download a free version of the AR application, while prepaid users were afforded huge discounts in entrance fees. Avida Land also participated in the public launch by providing free AR-ready devices for guests to try out the museum’s latest mobile feature.
Visitors may now rent units for PHP 95 at the Ayala Museum ticket counter to try the augmented reality feature.Users can also virtually visit the Ayala Museum dioramas through the Google Art Project (www.googleartproject.com) and via the Google Cardboard app available in Google Play and displayed in Globe GEN3 stores.
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Ayala Museum is located at Makati Avenue corner De La Rosa Street, Greenbelt Park, Makati City. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9 AM to 6 PM. For more information, visit www.ayalamuseum.org or email [email protected] or call (632) 759 82 88.