Reimagining the Past: Thoughts on the new wave of Immersive Blockbuster Exhibitions

I recently had the pleasure to experience the new Tutankhamun Immersive Exhibition, London. The narrative was rich, emotionally compelling, and in parts nicely constructed — Bravo to the incredible team behind it. 

Below are a few reflections on what worked well, and where I think there’s even more magic to be found in this type of Immersive storytelling.

The Metaverse VR Experience Was the Standout

For a person who really doesn't enjoy the whole VR headset experience. In this Exhibition, the Metaverse VR experience was incredible — easily the best I’ve experienced. It was fabulous to have the autonomy to walk through the space holding virtual props, to feel like you were walking in the footsteps of Howard Carter becoming part of the Archaeological setting, flicking through manuscripts whilst holding a tilly lamp. One small but magical moment that really stood out: being able to activate a virtual 1920's gramophone in Howard Carters tent in an archaeological camp in the Valley of the Kings. 

The take out of all this is that its these small, deliberate details — the ones that are so often value-engineered out — are what truly grip the visitor and root them in the world you’ve so cleverly transported them into.

Don't Cut the Details That Anchor Us in the World

It’s the tiny touches that matter — and they’re the first to go when budget pressure hits. But they’re the very things that give these experiences their soul. The props, the small interactions, the texture — these are what make the visitor feel not just like they’re watching a story, but that they’re inside it. This is where the magic is.

Transitions Between Chapters Need to Be Part of the Story

In order to afford such immersive tech, there are trade-offs — and too often the trade-offs happen in the transitions between the 'chapters' of the story. For these immersive experiences to truly set themselves apart, those in-between spaces and the guest stewards guiding you through them need to feel like part of the world too. This is where the illusion can break — and it doesn’t have to. Simple things, like the guide’s costume or their script in how they speak to guests, could help maintain the illusion between scenes. It’s a really affordable trick that is often missed.

Physical Objects Still Matter in a World of Immersive Tech

After I left, my social media was flooded with ads for similar blockbuster immersive experiences. They’re fabulous — I love them — but what I really believe is that the next level isn’t necessarily more tech. It’s the physical connection between the digital immersion and real objects. That’s where the emotional punch lands. Touch, texture, physicality — these ground the magic in reality.

Imagine If Museums Had Blockbuster Budgets

In an ideal world, museums themselves would have the kind of blockbuster budgets needed to combine their collections with these kinds of experiences. - it would bring objects to life in a contextual sense which is so often missing as-well as offering a visceral connection to the past. And possibly even the future. 

Sallyann Mason - Creative Director for Exhibition, Experiential, Aquarium Design

My work can be viewed here, If you would like to connect or discuss potential projects and collaborations.

www.sketchoutlier.com