THE MOVEUM YOKOHAMA uses light and sound to create spaces where visitors can immerse themselves in the art of fin-de-siècle Vienna. Ahead of the event's public opening, the press was given a special preview.
The cutting-edge technology behind immersive experiences
Throughout the talk session, the words “immersive,” “experience,” and “sensory journey” came up time and again. Applying these concepts to the art of Klimt and Schiele was made possible by the latest audiovisual technologies.
Using 75 projectors, the exhibition creates immersive spaces by seamlessly reproducing images on the building’s complex wall and floor geometry.
What’s more, given its former life as a warehouse, Shed No. 4 was certainly not constructed with acoustics in mind. To prevent audio feedback in the 1,800 m2 theater, sophisticated mapping technology was used in arranging 27 speakers.
Mayor Yamanaka, who holds a graduate degree in science and engineering from Waseda University, commented, “While it’s easy to put everything down to ‘technology,’ this is real science, with advanced calculations taking into account echoes from the pillars, beams, and the ceiling. I see this project as a fusion of science and art.”
But how does this immersive art compare with viewing the original Klimt and Schiele works in Vienna?
Ambassador Berka, who attended the preview as a special guest, shared her impressions: “This place offers a singular experience, like slipping back into Vienna of the 19th and 20th centuries.”
When Tomikawa suggested that the event might expose more people to Viennese art and inspire them to visit Austria, the ambassador responded, “I hope they will also come and experience the original works there as well.”
Yamaguchi also explained the LISTEN. project being shown alongside the Viennese exhibition.
Yamaguchi
When we launched the project in 2010, our slogan was “Experience the Earth.”
Above all, it was about doing away with unnecessary explanations and commentary, and firstly experiencing the moment with our hearts and souls on a cellular level. Delving into music cultures and allowing ourselves to experience them truly, gives us the power to live.
We traveled the world meeting people who create that power and captured their stories on film.
In figuring out how best to showcase this vast treasure assembled over 10 years, we came up with this immersive art piece.
In her comments, Yamaguchi repeatedly emphasized the word “experience.” As for what to expect from ONE MOMENT, she describes it as “like taking a plunge into a bath of sound.”
We plan to feature Yamaguchi’s LISTEN. project on a future episode of Toyota Times News, so make sure to keep an ear out.
A new movement
Some readers may be wondering about the facility’s name, which combines the words MOVE and MUSEUM.
As Chairman Toyoda notes, the word “move” encompasses not only physical mobility but also the sense of an emotional connection—moving people’s hearts.
By offering new experiences, THE MOVEUM YOKOHAMA will move visitors to connect with the world.
Find more details on THE MOVEUM YOKOHAMA by TOYOTA GROUP at the event website.