Restaged as an interactive and audiovisual 3D Christmas experience, the more than century-old nativity scene by Munich sculptor Sebastian Osterrieder from Linz’s St. Mary’s Cathedral also shines in perfect splendor in the virtual reality of Deep Space 8K.
The famous Nativity ensemble in St. Mary’s Cathedral has always been a highlight of Advent in Linz. Restaged as an interactive and audiovisual 3D Christmas experience, the entire nativity scene also shines in perfect splendor in virtual reality – not only in the crypt of Linz Cathedral but also in Deep Space 8K at the Ars Electronica Center. The more than one hundred-year-old Nativity scene by Munich sculptor Sebastian Osterrieder is now set to thrill visitors from all over the world in all its glory with unprecedented 360° insights into its cultural and historical heritage. With the completion of the elaborate restoration and digitization work and the new staging of the Virtual Nativity, the Ars Electronica Futurelab captures the spirit of our time.
With the aid of the non-contact process of photogrammetry, the entire ensemble as well as the Nativity architecture and landscape have been digitally preserved in all their fine detail. As an immersive Advent program, the nativity scene is intended to conjure up pre-Christmas contemplation in the hearts of visitors. The virtual restaging of the Christmas story follows a theological dramaturgy that ensures a varied Christmas season and shows the Nativity scene in different representations around the special occasion. Only gradually will the famous protagonists appear on the virtual stage during the time around Christmas.