The “Leonardo da Vinci” National Museum of Science and Technology in Milan has created a new permanent exhibition titled “Extreme. In search of particles” dedicated to particle physics, with Sony specified as technical partner, and its 3LCD BrightEra VPL-FHZ57 laser projectors used throughout the exhibition.
The VPL-FHZ57 projectors have been utilised for a number of interactive multimedia installations, offering visitors a visually immersive and engaging experience to unlock some of the secrets behind particle physics research.
This is the first exhibition of this type in Italy and was produced in collaboration with CERN the European Organisation for Nuclear Research and INFN the Italian National Institute of Nuclear Physics. The exhibition sheds light on what happens in the laboratories of two of the largest research centres for particle physics in the world.
The museum required a projection solution that was able to cover the exhibition area of about 350sqm, was easy to install and use, as well as versatile to ensure low maintenance costs over time.
The National Museum of Science and Technology turned to Sony, choosing the VPL-FHZ57, a model that is particularly suitable for museums due to its image quality, wide range of installable lenses and its reduced operating costs. The solution allows users to seamlessly blend images from multiple projectors to create super-sized displays and also project natural, accurate images onto curved surfaces. The projector can be installed at any angle, even on its side or upside down.
The Sony projectors were installed in three different settings inside the museum: From traces to events. The exhibition itinerary begins by presenting research methods relating to particle physics in an easily accessible way
Extra dimensions allow visitors to come into contact with a world in which the number of possible dimensions is greater than the four that we all know. Using projections made possible by the VPL-FHZ57, visitors see their image gradually reflected before becoming lost and then redistributed to other points in the space in unrecognisable forms.
“For each exhibition project, the Museum researches and creates new multimedia installations capable of transferring a variety of content into original, engaging experiences for visitors of all ages,” said Barbara Soresina, head of project management at the National Museum of Science and Technology.” The installation of the ‘Extreme. In search of particles’ exhibition was created with the best multimedia production and software programming companies in Italy.
“To enhance this high-quality creative work with hardware, we turned to Sony as its B2B laser projectors offer the best performance but at the same time also adapt to non-standard projection spaces and requirements. The low management costs of laser projection also ensure that the museum can create a permanent exhibition that is low maintenance. The Sony staff were both creative and professional, and collaborated closely with the Museum designers to choose the right equipment for the installation, including the VPL-FHZ57 projector and a range of suitable lenses. In the last few years, the Museum has formed technical partnerships aimed at enriching new exhibitions and, more generally, all spaces with cutting-edge technology and beautiful yet functional decor.”
