A world premiere has arrived in Brussels….. in the shape of an expo on French emperor Napoléon.
“l’Épopée Immersive” is a unique virtual reality walking experience being held at the Royal Museum of the Army in Brussels until 17 August.
This first creation by the Sandora studio offers a captivating immersion into the heart of the Napoleonic epic, combining technological innovation and historical accuracy.
It presents authentic objects from the museum’s collections – weapons, uniforms, paintings and Napoleon’s personal objects – providing valuable historical insight before the immersion.
You also get the chance to visit, virtually, Napoleon’s final home on Saint Helena. Equipped with your virtual reality headset, you listen to the Emperor’s confidences.
As he recounts his memories, the scenes come to life around you: the staff meeting on the eve of the Battle of Austerlitz,a cavalry charge by the Cuirassiers of the Guard, the rise of the Vendôme column,the icy atmosphere of the Berezina and the final journey to Saint Helena.
For 27 minutes, thanks to cutting-edge immersive technology, you relive the emblematic moments of the First Empire, recreated with striking visual and sound intensity.
Throughout the experience, you will be immersed in the key moments that forged the Napoleonic legend, for better or for worse.
A museum spokesman said, “Whether you are alone, with friends or family, this collective adventure offers you a unique opportunity to discover history in a different way.”
Each visitor, equipped with an HTC Vive Focus 3 headset, wanders freely in a 60 m² space.
To guarantee the authenticity of the experience, a scientific committee composed of renowned experts participated in the development of the project.
They include the Fondation Napoléon, Thierry Lentz, Pierre Branda,François Houdececk and David Chanteranne.
Located in the Parc du Cinquantenaire, the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History is one of the largest military museums in the world.
It became part of the War Heritage Institute in 2017. It features tanks and armoured vehicles, planes and helicopters, paintings and engravings,weapons and uniforms.
Since 1923, it has offered visitors of all ages a fascinating journey through its
incredible collections, which span more than ten centuries of military history.
