On Friday 19th June, London’s Natural History Museum will open their brand-new, world-first, fully immersive, virtual reality storytelling experience, First Life. Created in partnership with Atlantic Productions and its virtual reality studio Alchemy VR, David Attenborough’s First Life reveals the dawn of life on Earth from 540 million years ago showcasing some of the Earth’s earliest and weirdest inhabitants.
Based on the latest Museum research, long-extinct animals such as the whimsically-built Opabinia, the fearsome-looking Anomalocaris and the spiny, worm-like Hallucigenia will be brought vividly alive in a fully immersive encounter.
During the 15-minute virtual reality experience, visitors dive through ancient seas with narration by natural history icon and all-round national treasure, Sir David Attenborough. First Life uses Samsung’s latest wearable technology, the Gear VR Innovator Edition virtual reality headsets powered by the Galaxy S6 smartphone.
Sir Michael Dixon, Director of the Natural History Museum, says: “We’re always looking for new ways to challenge the way people think about the natural world – its past, present and future. We know virtual reality technology can transport us to impossible places. This is a compelling example of how technology can revolutionise how we experience museums.”
Book tickets for Friday 19th June onwards at www.nhm.ac.uk/first-life
Admission to First Life VR Experience:
£6.50 for adults
£4.50 for members and patrons
Museum admission is FREE
Opening hours:
Daily 10am – 5.50pm
Last entry 17.30pm
The Natural History Museum
Cromwell Road
London SW7 5BD
Visitor enquiries: 020 7942 5000
Nearest tube: South Kensington
The London Art File 