Ayala Museum is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its Diorama Experience, a permanent exhibit showcasing 60 scenes from Philippine history, with the introduction of next-generation augmented reality (AR) technology.
The enhancement which is part of the museum’s “We Have History” campaign, aims to make learning about the country’s past more engaging for modern audiences.
Visitors can now interact with 27 of the Dioramas through AR, adding animation, music, and narration to the historical scenes. The new AR experience requires only a smartphone and an internet connection, making it more accessible than the earlier version introduced in the 2010s, which required special glasses.
“The Dioramas have captivated generations since they were first introduced after World War II,” said Mariles Gustilo, senior director of Ayala Museum. “This AR upgrade reflects our commitment to keeping the exhibit relevant and inspiring for future generations.”
In addition to the AR update, Ayala Museum is hosting an exhibition titled The Historical Imagination: The Making of the Diorama Experience until Oct. 27. The exhibit delves into the creation of the Dioramas and features photographs from the Filipinas Heritage Library’s Retrato Collection.
A new book, edited by Dr. Michael Pante, exploring the historical narratives depicted in the Dioramas, will also be released in October to coincide with Museum and Galleries Month.
“The Dioramas originally offered a novel way to present Philippine history,” said Tony Lambino, president of Ayala Foundation. “With the new AR experience, accompanying exhibition, and upcoming book, we continue our mission of telling the Filipino story in ways that resonate with today’s audience.”
Ayala Foundation oversees Ayala Museum as part of its Arts and Culture Division.
