HistoVearR – Experiencing historical clothing in virtual reality at the museum

As part of the innovation programme at MUTEC, the ‘HistoVeaR’ research group is presenting the first research demonstrator of an interactive VR showroom for historical garments. Using modern scanning techniques, garments are digitally preserved in the utmost detail, exactly as they were worn one on top of the other, and brought to life to help convey historical clothing practices. This enables the light-sensitive and fragile textiles – which can only be exhibited rarely and temporarily – to be preserved permanently, whilst making this cultural heritage virtually accessible to a wider public. The innovative VR approach offers an immersive museum experience that appeals to both regular museum visitors and new target groups.

As well as gaining insights into the project and the current state of research, those interested will have the opportunity to try out the VR showroom for themselves at the fair. They will be able to interact with a simple, single-layer dress and explore the individual layers of historical garments in the form of digital reconstructions.

Under the coordination of World of VR, the Computer Graphics Group and the Cologne Game Lab at TH Köln, together with the Chair of Cultural Studies in Fashion and Textiles at the University of Paderborn, are collaborating as part of a transdisciplinary research team. The project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the State of North Rhine-Westphalia as part of the NEXT.IN.NRW programme.