An augmented reality mirror has appeared in the Kyiv museum, which allows you to try on the suits of the liquidators of the accident at the Chornobyl nuclear power plant
On September 10, 2024, the presentation of the innovative project “Images of the Courageous”, implemented with the support of the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation, took place at the Chornobyl National Museum. The costume design and technical support were provided by Imersum company. This project is an important part of the museum’s work to preserve the memory of the tragedy at the Chornobyl NPP and the heroism of the liquidators who sacrificed their lives and health to protect humanity from the radiation threat.
The project uses augmented reality technology, which allows visitors to literally “try on” the role of accident liquidators, interacting with virtual images of historical costumes. According to project coordinator Yanina Shvachko, this initiative not only helps preserve unique museum exhibits but also opens up new ways of popularizing them.
«We have special requirements for the storage of objects, so thanks to such projects we can popularize the museum and its work», — Yanina Shvachko noted.
The purpose of the “Images of the Courageous” project
The “Images of the Courageous” project aims not only to honor the memory of the liquidators of the Chornobyl disaster but also to draw attention to modern heroes who protect Ukraine today. The museum’s general director, Vitalina Martynovska, emphasized that the connection between past and present events is especially relevant in the context of the war.
«We live in a time of war, we have a huge number of heroes. We must not forget the heroes of Chornobyl. We want this product to encourage research into the history of the disaster and the personalities who participated in its elimination», — Martynovska stressed.
A key feature of the project is the involvement of a young audience. With the help of modern technologies, such as augmented reality, visitors can learn more about the history of the Chornobyl disaster. The project supports the idea of an innovative approach to the museum business, which is becoming more and more popular in the world.
Svitlana Kopotun, a leading specialist in project management of the Ukrainian Cultural Fund, noted:
«I am very glad that our museums are developing, and exhibitions are expanding. The museum industry is developing. Such projects attract a young audience who can learn about the history of our country in a new way».
Digitization of the Chornobyl Museum
The “Images of the Courageous” project is the museum’s second digital initiative. Earlier, a virtual tour was launched, which received positive feedback from visitors and became an important element of the digital transformation of the museum business in Ukraine. Dmytro Matiash, project manager and founder of the NGO eMuseum, noted:
«In fact, this is our second project. The first one was very successful — it was a virtual tour that became popular and received many positive reviews. I actively collect the best ideas from around the world and offer them to museums so that they can become part of global museum development. It’s cool when museums respond and help implement these ideas, because it not only develops the Ukrainian museum business, but also involves new generations to study history with the help of modern digital technologies. It shows that we can be at the forefront of innovation while preserving cultural heritage».
The project also raises important topics of environmental disasters and their consequences, which is especially relevant in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine. Oleksandr Ocheretyany, a representative of the Department of Tourism and Promotions of the KMDA, emphasized:
«The subject of Chornobyl and the subject of war overlap in a certain way. Environmental disasters are a consequence of any war. Visitors have become conscious, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have to fight for their attention. We have to make them grateful, and we are also grateful to them. This project is the best thanks».
“Images of the Courageous” is an important step in the development of the museum business in Ukraine, as well as in preserving the historical memory of the Chornobyl disaster and its heroes. The project has already aroused great interest and sets new standards for interactive museum exhibits. The mirror has already become part of the museum’s permanent exhibition. You can visit the museum from Wednesday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and on Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
