Latest news with #edutainment
The National
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Time-travel through Baghdad, Rome and Mughal India as Louvre Abu Dhabi launches VR experience
In a 1993 episode of The Simpsons, Lisa is in class, daydreaming of a headset that can take her back in time to witness the Mongol conquests alongside Genghis Khan. The thought was compelling, even if far-fetched – an educational technology that goes beyond books and blackboards, offering a firsthand, multisensory experience of history. We're not quite there yet, and time travel may never break the barrier of fiction. But for edutainment purposes, we have the next best thing. Louvre Abu Dhabi has launched a project that – much like Lisa's headset – presents history as something to be lived and experienced. The Quantum Dome Project is a virtual reality installation that unfolds over 25 minutes. It immerses participants in digital reconstructed environments from three disparate and historic corners of the globe: ancient Rome, medieval Baghdad and Mughal-era India. Up to 10 people can enter the VR chamber at once, each fitted with a wireless headset that tracks their full-body movements in real time. Developed with French production company Small Creative Studio, the technology requires no joysticks or other hand-held devices. Participants can move freely in between the colonnades of a Roman forum, sift through the books of the ancient House of Wisdom, and be in the midst of battle on the lakes near the Jal Mahal. Each setting is tied to a real object in the museum's collection: a marble sculpture of Emperor Augustus, a manuscript page from De Materia Medica, and a suit of armour dubbed Four Mirrors. These artefacts act as entry points, connecting the physical world of the museum to the journey unfolding inside the headset. 'We identified objects that had potential,' says Marine Botton, senior officer of interpretation and creative content at Louvre Abu Dhabi. 'We have a rich collection, so it was difficult to choose but we wanted objects that are representative of three different eras and civilisations,' adds Botton. 'We wanted to select objects that had enough documentation, to allow us to depict as accurately as possible the historical landscapes surrounding them,' adds Amine Kharchach, interpretation and mediation manager in the museum's education and cultural engagement department. 'We worked hand in hand with our curatorial team to pick the right details.' But this isn't a static exhibition dressed up in technology. The Quantum Dome Project follows a sci-fi narrative, bookended by scenes at Louvre Abu Dhabi itself. The story begins in an underground laboratory at the museum, where scientists attempt to extract the 'memory' of objects using experimental quantum technology. As with any compelling story, things go awry. Visitors are flung across time and space, landing in an imperial Roman forum, in the midst of towering colonnades, citizens in togas, and a towering statue of Augustus, the first Roman emperor, in colourful orator's garb. The experience blends historical fidelity with imaginative reconstruction. While the environments are grounded in rigorous research, certain details had to be filled with educated guesswork, especially where there are gaps in historical records. 'For instance, we knew that the head of Augustus was part of a standing statue,' Botton says. 'But we didn't know the statue's position, whether it was dressed as an orator or in a military outfit. But we dug deeper and tried to work on credible hypothesis. We would go to our scientific team, raise questions and come back with answers.' Researchers relied on the archaeological remains of the Forum of Augustus to create its digital counterpart. But in the case of the House of Wisdom, they had no such foundation. Once believed to be the largest library in the world, the House of Wisdom established Baghdad as a global centre of knowledge during the eighth and ninth centuries. It was said to hold tens of thousands of books and manuscripts – works on astronomy, medicine, philosophy and more. But in the 13th century, the library was destroyed by the Mongol siege of Baghdad. Legend has it that so many books were thrown into the Tigris that the river ran black with ink. Given the House of Wisdom's tragic past and folkloric weight in the region, standing in its virtual rendering is something else entirely. The arched corridors open around a central courtyard, flanked by shelves that seem to stretch to infinity. Scholars move through the space with focused urgency, unrolling scrolls and discussing findings. The environment is highly interactive. Books flicker open as you approach, a cat purrs when you reach down to touch it. Of course, the virtual scene is not precise reconstruction – after all, no one knows what the library really looked like – but within the Quantum Dome Project, it feels vivid and animates a past that has long been associated with myth and loss. 'Today, archaeologically, we don't have any remains associated to the House of Wisdom,' Kharchach says. 'What we did is to look at the documentation of buildings, mainly madrasas, which existed at the same time. So you have to work with the hypothesis.' While the architecture required informed assumptions, the details within were shaped by rigorous research. 'We also have documentation that there were women working in the House of Wisdom and doing research,' Kharchach adds. 'We wanted to display that as well. We also strove to understand what the furniture looked like, what the carpets looked like, and so on.' The mood shifts dramatically as the story propels towards the waters of Rajasthan. The Jal Mahal looms large, receding as the boat pulls away from the lake. It is a serene sight – until fiery arrows cut though the night sky. Instinctually, viewers will move to dodge the arrows. The soldiers on the boat row faster, urged onwards by a commander dressed in the Four Mirrors armour. The suit is brought to life in the scene, showing how each of its polished panels serve to protect vital parts of the body. Its presence is eye-catching and authoritative. The scene in Jaipur is unlike the calm reverence of Baghdad or the order of Rome. It is a moment of drama and urgency, serving as the emotional and narrative climax of the experience. It also underscores how instinct and immersion come together in this cutting-edge virtual reality. It doesn't just replicate the past, but also provokes a physical response to it. 'For us, we use technology if it's ready to support the storytelling,' Botton says. 'We wanted to connect audiences to our narrative in a fun and engaging way, but through a very strong story. And now VR is ready to support these kind of stories. This is what drove us to explore its potential.' While the experience can be enjoyed individually, it is perhaps best savoured as a collective. Botton says ticketing price is set to encourage groups to attend. The individual price for the experience is Dh120, including access to the museum, while booking in groups of four will cost Dh95 per person.
Khaleej Times
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Fabyland makes its grand entrance at Silicon Central Mall
In a landmark addition to Dubai's entertainment landscape, Fabyland, one of the region's prominent family entertainment centres, has officially opened its doors at Silicon Central Mall. This highly anticipated launch introduces a world of immersive fun, multi-generational experiences, and interactive learning, all under one roof. Designed as a flagship concept, the new Fabyland at Silicon Central Mall reimagines traditional entertainment with a broader and inclusive offering. In addition to thrill rides and carnival-style arcade games, the venue features, for the very first time, bowling alleys and billiards zones, opening new avenues of entertainment for teenagers, young adults, and families seeking shared leisure experiences. With its expansive layout and engaging atmosphere, Fabyland at Silicon Central sets a new benchmark for indoor entertainment in the Silicon Oasis locale. Children's celebrations take centre stage, with customisable party rooms and thoughtfully curated birthday packages that include interactive experiences such as magic shows, clowns, and piñata games, designed to turn every celebration into a cherished memory. For schools and learning groups, Fabyland offers a curated edutainment programme blending fun with foundational knowledge across science, arts and crafts, and more. Shirazul Haq Khan, mall manager, Silicon Central Mall, remarked: "Every new addition to Silicon Central is part of a bigger story, where we are creating spaces that feel vibrant, welcoming, and relevant to the community. Fabyland brings a fresh energy to the mix, and we're excited to see how it adds to the everyday experiences of our visitors. This is exactly the kind of offering we believe the community has been waiting for." The grand opening of Fabyland coincides with a broader phase of growth and transformation at Silicon Central Mall, which continues to strengthen its position as a premier lifestyle and retail destination in Dubai. The mall recently welcomed a dynamic mix of global fashion, footwear, and dining brands, enriching its appeal to the city's diverse audience. Complementing the retail expansion are curated F&B concepts such as Tim Hortons, Cold Stone Creamery, Chinese Palace, Bazooka, and China Bistro, ensuring an all-encompassing lifestyle experience that spans shopping, dining, and entertainment. Navaneeth Sudhakaran, general manager of Line Investments & Property, Dubai and Northern Emirates, added: "With Fabyland joining our growing portfolio, we're reinforcing Silicon Central's position as a destination that blends international retail, dining, and leisure in one cohesive experience. Our focus is on a meaningful curation; bringing in brands and concepts that add value to the way people shop, connect, and unwind. This launch is a step forward in that vision." As Silicon Central Mall continues its journey of growth, visitors are invited to discover its evolving story, where every visit is an engaging and memorable experience for all.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Step back in time at 24th Annual Siouxland Renaissance Festival
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — The Siouxland Renaissance Festival gets underway this weekend, come rain or shine. Organizers say they've doubled the number of vendors from last year. Excitement is building at the WH Lyon fairgrounds as vendors and performers prepare for this year's festival. Oldham-Ramona-Rutland School Board facing a lawsuit Saturday and Sunday visitors will be invited to play in the past. 'We have demonstrations of all different kinds, we have a little printing press and a lady who is going to teach kids to make paint, and we have some fiber arts people, throughout the grounds we have people demonstrating almost everything,' said Anna Vorhes of the Renaissance Association. Organizers say the festival is fun but it's also fostering education through re-enactment, interaction and participation. Luc Fingar Enger is part of the Viking Encampment from Minnesota. 'We are edutainment troops, so anything between the shows that we are doing, which are storytelling of ancient myths of the Viking age b but we are also doing a fight demonstration where we will show some shield wall techniques and work with weapons and entertain the audience while also educating them,' said Enger Along with the Vikings, there will be knights in their armor. 'We have jousters at 11:30 and 4:00, so time your day correctly, so you can see the joust,. It in what the fairgrounds call the Expo building, we call it the royal pavilion of course. They are going to be indoors with bleachers so you can see them joust, they really do joust,' said Vorhes There is a village market. Vendors will be on hand selling everything from crystals to coffee to crafts and clothing. There will also be plenty of food. Organizers say this is a family-friendly event, so they encourage festival goers to bring the kids. Tickets are $15 for adults, $6 for seniors and children ages 4-12, and free for children 3 and under. Tickets for Saturday and Sunday can be purchased online or at the gate. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Al Bawaba
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Bawaba
Embark on a Summer of Adventure Where Guests Learn, Explore and Discover at SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
This summer, SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the World's Largest Indoor Marine Life Theme Park, invites guests to fuel their passion for exploration, discovery, and learning through a myriad of interactive experiences, educational presentations, thrilling rides, and unforgettable animal encounters! Whether diving deep into one of the world's largest multi-species aquariums or staying above the surface with a serene kayak ride at Tropical Ocean, guests are free to chart their own unique the Marine Life Theme Park's opening in 2023, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi has continuously innovated, offering novel and groundbreaking experiences that blend entertainment with marine life education, setting new standards in edutainment for marine life theme parks.'At SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, we strive to ignite a passion for the ocean in every guest,' says Carlos Rodriguez, Deputy General Manager at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. 'Whether its the first-time or returning, our goal is to offer all our guests a memorable experience with new adventures and lifetime memories to be shared. In a capital surrounded by water, it is crucial that we educate our community about the marine environment that envelops us, and how we can both protect and thrive alongside it. We believe that by providing immersive and educational experiences, we can inspire a deeper understanding of our local marine environment, our broader one ocean, and the importance of its conservation.'This summer, guests can delve deeper than ever before with the introduction of the revolutionary 'SeaSub,' the world's first submersible crafted specifically for an aquarium, unlocking breathtaking underwater perspectives. This joins a diverse portfolio of SeaWorld Encounters, now totaling 11 distinct opportunities for guests to get closer to marine into Discovery with New EncountersIn addition to the unforgettable 'SeaSub,' guests can enjoy unique up-close moments with Malquot, a gentle rescued dugong, and learn more about one of Abu Dhabi's native species and the surrounding sea turtles. Over in Tropical Ocean, 'Kayak on Tropical Lagoon,' allows guests to paddle through the dolphin habitat, soak up the tropical sunshine, and even catch a playful splash from the dolphins. These are just two of the Marine Life Theme Park's six additional animal encounters, which also include memorable moments with walruses, penguins, sea otters, dolphins and sea Underwater WorldsGuests can make their way to Explorer HQ and experience four thrilling underwater experiences in the region's largest aquarium, hosted by SeaWorld Abu Dhabi's expert team of marine and diving specialists, including the 'SeaSub.' For first timers, 'Discover Scuba Diving' allows guests to try scuba diving without a certificate and learn the basics of scuba diving. Certified divers can take it a step further with 'SeaDive,' getting into their wetsuits and diving freely into the vastness of the Endless Ocean aquarium, surrounded by schools of fish, graceful rays, and other magnificent marine life. For a more accessible journey beneath the surface, 'SeaVenture' invites guests on an underwater walking tour, perfect for all abilities and fully POD-friendly, offering a unique glimpse of marine life beneath the ocean Incredible Marine LifeAcross the park's eight uniquely themed realms, guests can encounter incredible biodiversity. From the vibrant flamingos, tropical birds and playful dolphins, to sharks, rays, schooling fish and charismatic sea otters, each experience fosters a deeper appreciation for marine life. Through the inspiring 'One Ocean' story woven throughout the Marine Life Theme Park, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi highlights the vital interconnectedness of all life on Earth and the ocean, inspiring a commitment to the iconic One Ocean globe, guests can gain rare insight at the Animal Care Center into the expert and around-the-clock care provided to the animals in our care. Led by the park's dedicated, globally accredited veterinary and animal care team, the world-class care provided has earned SeaWorld Abu Dhabi the Global Humane certification, Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) accreditation and the most recent Alliance of Marine Mammals Parks & Aquariums (AMMPA) guests can observe as experts perform routine health checks and administer medical treatments, showcasing the exceptional standards and compassion that define SeaWorld Abu Dhabi's commitment to animal it's a visit driven by discovery, exploration, learning, or a combination of all three, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi promises an inspiring journey that starts from the shores of Abu Dhabi Ocean over to the One Ocean realm which opens gateways to seven other immersive realms within the Marine Life Theme Abu Dhabi's commitment extends beyond guest experiences through its 'Admission with a Mission' initiative. Every ticket purchased helps to support the vital conservation efforts of the Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Center, empowering guests to contribute to marine life preservation with every summer, choose a destination where adventure meets education. Choose SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, where every moment is an opportunity to Learn, Explore, and Discover the wonders of the ocean. For more information and to book your summer adventure, please visit
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
SG Kiztopia's space-themed bouncy castle wonderland lands in JB this June — early bird deals here!
Running out of ideas to keep the kids entertained on weekends or during the school holidays? Why not take a short trip across the Causeway to Johor Bahru for something truly out of this world? Kiztopia, Singapore's award-winning edutainment brand, is making its much-anticipated debut in town from 1 June to 6 Jul 2025 — and it's bringing a universe of fun along for the ride. Jumptopia: Space Warriors will transform the Paradigm Mall Convention Centre (PMCC) into an intergalactic inflatable wonderland. Spanning over 16K square feet, this cosmic adventure zone is designed to inspire young minds while offering families an unforgettable way to spend the time together. Admission is exclusively available on Klook, with tickets priced at RM40 for a 2-hour pass and RM60 for unlimited playtime. Families can save up to 34% with value bundles, while early birds can enjoy 15% off all ticket packages until 31 May. Most importantly, children under 3 can enter for free with an accompanying adult. This space-themed playground isn't just for little ones. Teens and even adults are welcome to bouncing, sliding, and laughing throughout the day. 7 massive inflatable castles (some reaching up to 6 metres tall) await, filled with towering slides, asteroid-laden obstacle courses, and imaginative challenges. In between galactic escapades, there are chill zones for families to take a break and recharge. Look forward to a vibrant lineup of attractions including Bell's Rocket, Honey's Cosmic Obstacle Run, Raby's Starbase Command, Drago's Meteor Strike, Honey's Zero-Gravity Training Base, Bell's Astro Blast, Tiger's Nebula Fortress, and Alien Bumper Battle Arena. So if you're looking to mix things up with a fun-filled family day trip, keep this stellar event on your radar. Head over to Kiztopia's website to grab your tickets early at a cheaper price. It's a cosmic experience bursting with colour, excitement, and memories that are sure to last light-years. 10 best video game stores in Singapore that are ahead of the game The post SG Kiztopia's space-themed bouncy castle wonderland lands in JB this June — early bird deals here! appeared first on
