Naturalis has excavated six impressive Triceratops skeletons, five of which were found together in Wyoming, USA. The discovery, carried out by researchers and paleontology students, reveals a unique herd arrangement, while the sixth individual was found separately and is already on display in the Dinotime Hall of Naturalis.
In the brand-new interactive exhibition, you stand face to face for the first time with the five impressive Triceratops skeletons that welcome you into their fascinating world. Ata Tech has provided the complete AV installation and lighting for the exhibits, featuring a range of interactive setups that actively engage visitors with the story of these remarkable dinosaurs. Utilizing a variety of cutting-edge technology, Ata Tech has equipped the exhibits to enhance the experience.
This traveling exhibition will be presented worldwide. The exhibition is modular and can be remotely controlled via a network. Furthermore, the system is suitable for various power voltages, offers stability, and is easily accessible from a distance.
One of the highlights is the interactive installation called “Together You Stand Strong” where two projectors use edge-blend technology to create a full floor covering for this exhibit. Four strategically placed tracking cameras follow visitors within the play area. The game illustrates that as a group, you are stronger and can defend yourselves better together than individually. This makes the experience not only educational but also exceptionally fun.
Additionally, the “Wildly Attractive” setup offers a unique experience. Through a 65-inch screen and two cameras, visitors receive a virtual Triceratops skin and horns on their faces. The integrated DMX-controlled lighting ensures that visitors’ faces are realistically displayed, transforming them into true Triceratops!
Educational Components
In the “How Old?” setup, visitors can look through a microscope and learn about the growth lines of dinosaurs, thanks to RFID technology. A small round screen, typically used in a smartwatch, is integrated into the microscope. This allows visitors to receive valuable information about the age and growth of these impressive prehistoric creatures.
The “Growth” exhibit uses a rotary encoder on a flashlight. By turning this flashlight, visitors can see the skull of a Triceratops grow. Turning the knob changes the projection shadow, allowing you to observe the growth process of the skull, from that of a baby to an adult Triceratops, complete with its impressive horns.
Unique Experience Elements
One of the most striking and playful parts of the exhibition is “Food and Farts”. Here, visitors can virtually feed a Triceratops, where the number of virtual “food balls” in the stomach leads to sound effects played through a media player. This playful element combines humor with education, making the learning process accessible and fun.
Graffiti Art: Paint Your Own Triceratops
In this unique setup, visitors have the chance to express their creativity with a virtual spray can! Thanks to infrared technology, visitors can color a Triceratops on a transparent canvas by “spraying” with interactive spray cans. Infrared tracking cameras and sensors determine where the visitor holds the spray can in front of the screen and which pattern is chosen. As you select and apply your favorite colors and patterns, your creation is projected onto the canvas, providing an immersive and artistic experience. This invites both young and old to give a personal touch to the iconic dino skeleton.
Additionally, the “Gardening” setup offers visitors the opportunity to virtually water a plant using RFID technology. As the plant grows, it transforms into a nutritious plant for a dinosaur, which is then projected.
The “Tricerascope” allows visitors to bring the herd of Triceratops to life by rotating and moving a monitor housing. This makes it appear as if the herd is walking across the screen and even moving beyond the edge of the stage, creating a unique and impressive experience.
The “What’s Happening” setup uses two installations with 55” screens and sensors that enable visitors to navigate through the film with their footsteps, highlighting the fate of this herd. This creates a dynamic element that playfully guides visitors through the information.
To complete the story and atmosphere of the exhibition, Ata Tech has created three different scenes with projection and sound, forming an impressive backdrop.
With this interactive and educational exhibition, Ata Tech has contributed to a unique experience that brings the age of dinosaurs to life at Naturalis. Through smart applications of AV technology, positioning systems, and creative installations, the exhibition is accessible to all ages and offers new insights into the life of the Triceratops herd.
Location: Leiden (The Netherlands) • Client: Naturalis Biodiversity Center • Designer: Naturalis (Pieter Aartsen) – Designwolf (Onne Brouwer) • Exhibit builder: Bruns • Interactives: YIPP • Content: Redrum bureau • Photography: Mike Bink • Audiovisual realisation and exhibit lighting: Ata Tech
