The first Virtual Reality Bus to travel in ancient Rome 2000 years ago arrives

From June 23, 2022, thanks to the Virtual Reality Bus created by Invisible Cities, an innovative start-up created by Arsenale 23 with the support of Linkem, it will be possible to walk among the archaeological remains of ancient Rome and discover what they were like two thousand years ago through 3D reconstructions created by the best visual effects specialists in Italy under the supervision of archaeological curators. An experience tour that offers a journey through the Eternal City between the Imperial Forums, Colosseum, Palatine, Circus Maximus and Theater of Marcellus and includes a 3D immersion with special “visor free” VR technology: All reconstructions of the architectures are visible directly on OLED screens superimposed on the windows of the Bus and a system of motorized curtains will allow visitors to admire the beauties of today and compare them with those of the past. It will be a 360-degree journey back in time, involving all the senses: the sounds and music on board and the integrated fragrance emission system specially developed by Integra Fragances will allow the public to admire the virtual reconstructions and immerse themselves in the atmosphere of some of the historic places along the route.

Thanks to MOVX, a unique patent involving 3 GPSs, a three-axis accelerometer, a magnetometer, a velocimeter, and a surface laser, it is possible to synchronize the speed and position of the bus in real physical space with those in virtual space, allowing the recording and playback of every movement, curve, pothole, or bump during the journey.

The project also pays attention to sustainability: in fact, the VR BUS is fully electric with respect and care for the environment. Small in size and quiet, it has an average speed equal to that of a scooter. With sixteen seats available (two of which are for accompanying persons) and a travel time of about twenty minutes, the VR bus constitutes one of the most avant-garde expressions of the marketing of the future that uses the potential of the digital world, Mixed Reality and edutainment, to offer an eperience under the banner of the 4Es: Engagement, Education, Exclusivity and Emotion.

“The VrBus project,” commented Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri, “will allow visitors to literally immerse themselves inside the history of Rome. It is a modern and unique initiative that we support to tell the millennial history of the Capital in a new guise capable of attracting further audiences as well as involving Roman men and women in a journey of discovery of Rome’s past. In addition, we do it under the banner of sustainability since the bus used for the service is a fully electric vehicle, respecting the environment and caring for the surrounding places.”

"Invisible Cities has revolutionized the world of virtual content enjoyment by creating a medium that opens new horizons for edutainment, tourism marketing and the enhancement of Italy’s archaeological, historical and artistic heritage," said Invisible City President Ernesto Faraco. “This is the first Virtual Reality Bus thanks to which people can immerse themselves in history firsthand and share the experience collectively without the need for vr visors or other wearable devices. Soon we hope for more VR-Buses, not only in Rome, with new stages of a wonderful adventure whose ultimate goal is to change the way we experience and learn about the history of our cities, hybridizing education and entertainment, and bringing future generations closer to our wonderful past. Being contemporary also means this: rediscovering our heritage based on millennia of history, taking the best of it, reinterpreting it and bringing it into the future.”

Promoted by Roma Culture, Sovrintendenza Capitolina ai Beni Culturali in collaboration with the Colosseum Archaeological Park and with the organizational support of Zètema Progetto Cultura, the exhibition Roma Imperiale - Virtual Reality Bus will run daily from 4:20 p.m. to 7:40 p.m. (last ride), at the price of 15 euros (reduced to 10 euros with the MIC card), departing from Piazza della Madonna di Loreto.

The 30-minute route is available in Italian and English, and tickets can be purchased directly at the ticket office near Trajan’s Column (Imperial Forums) or online at www.vrbusroma.it.

The first Virtual Reality Bus to travel in ancient Rome 2000 years ago arrives

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