Yesteryear’s life, today’s three-dimensional imagination
On a journey to the rich history of the city of Maastricht
Lots of reasons to visit the Dutch city of Maastricht. Here you find hotspots such as the welcoming Vrijthof square, the Jekerkwartier area, the many unique shops, the Bonnenfanten museum, and many ruins and other reminders of eras gone by. The fortified city can boast centuries of adventurous history. Part of this heritage springs back to three-dimensional life in Centre Céramique and the Vestingmuseum. All thanks to today’s technology.
Did you know the French devoted themselves to the fine art of three-dimensional models as early as the 17th century? The many fortifications belonging to the French domain were as faithfully as possible recreated in detailed scale models. Partially as a showcase project for French monarchs, partly as a militarily case study. Due to its location, Maastricht was a desirable city in 1748, precisely the reason king Louis XV ordered the construction of a scale model after the French armies seized the town.
Too fragile to travel
Fast forward to the 21st century. Nowadays, the original model of Maastricht is on permanent display at the museum of fine arts in Lille, France. Maastricht frequently tried to bring the model to the city. To no avail, as the impressive object is deemed too fragile to travel. Luckily, more roads lead to Rome … or Maastricht. The University of Florence scanned the model, and about 6.000 images were photogrammetrically shot and edited. This intensive process resulted in 3D scans forming the basis of the new model of Maastricht. Ready for the next stage.
With the financial support of Creative Industries Fund NL, we joined forces with the city of Maastricht, Tijdlab -specialists in innovative digital presentations for the cultural heritage field- and Centre Céramique. Dutch Rose Media created the concept and scripts. On the volumetric capturing stage of 4DR Studios, actors transformed into three-dimensional, holographic avatars. The dedicated augmented reality app on their smartphones enables visitors of the permanent exhibition to travel back to 18th century Maastricht.
Upon arrival, they relive the past through a historical stroll through the scenic streets and alleyways. Four surprising stories draw them back to the turbulent year of 1748, not as mere spectators but as an intrinsic part of history. The stories told in Dutch, English, French, German, and the local dialect are interactively interwoven in the digital scale model. Turning visitors into detectives helping Vincent du Buisson solve his brother Jean’s murder. The mystery unravels by selecting objects such as a theater ticket or an empty gin jar.
Modern themes with an 18th-century twist
The interactive experience makes the exhibition interesting for both (hobby) historians and the younger generation. They learn about the illustrious era of sieges, occupations, and liberation and witness the trials and tribulations of everyday life. By translating these struggles to modern themes, they become relatable. “Take the story of 23-year-old cloth maker Marie Catharina Jansen. To make a living, she was forced to work illegally. Being a woman, she wasn’t allowed to join the guild”, explains municipal archeologist Gilbert Soeters.
Amateur archeologists are most welcome to lend a helping hand, or better yet: an eye. New details are added constantly, and help is needed to determine the proper position for a door or a building’s function. Any information to help restore the old Maastricht in more 3D detail is very welcome.
Virtual sneak peek?
The permanent, free exhibition is well worth visiting Maastricht, South of Limburg. Too little time for the trip, but curious about a three-dimensional journey to 1748? We’ll happily demonstrate it at our headquarters in Eindhoven!
Immersive storytelling, Virtual guide
