29 July 2022

Historical travel via VR glasses to the living spaces of members of the reigning family of the monarchy in the 18th & 19th century in Schloss Schönbrunn in Vienna

The new digital culture programme 'Schloss Schönbrunn VR' provides the closest experience of the life of members of the reigning Habsburg family in the castle. The history journey via VR (virtual reality) glasses reaches over the period of the reign of Maria Theresia (lived from 1717 until 1780) to the period of Franz Joseph I and Elisabeth (lived from 1837 until 1898).

The developers 'Filmfinity' of the virtual time travel collaborated under the creative direction of Lior Babadost & Ethan Babadost with the Science & Research Department of the Schönbrunn Group for the staging of the historical scenes with realistic appearances of Maria Theresia or Empress Elisabeth. For the shooting of the story about the life of the castle's prominent residents over the centuries, especially the changing fashion was a challenge for the costume designers. The costumes were crafted by specialists historically true to the original including authentic gold embroideries on sleeves and collars of uniforms.

Images, from left: The picture of a scene from the Schloss Schönbrunn VR Experience shows Empress Elisabeth at her daily beauty routine. Elisabeth (aka Sisi) was known for her long hair. The Schloss Schönbrunn VR culture programme was launched in summer 2022. Right: The 24-minutes Schloss Schönbrunn VR journey (in 19 languages) starts at the 102 seat space at the landscape rooms of the Crown Prince Apartment. Photographer: Lior Babadost. Photos: © FILMFINITY GmbH.