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The Antarctic Heritage Trust, in collaboration with Auckland-based virtual reality tech company StaplesVR, have developed the first educational virtual reality experience of Captain Robert Falcon Scott’s Discovery Hut. This pioneering VR experience makes its debut at Te Papa during the July school holidays in Wellington, inviting visitors to step inside a piece of Antarctic history without leaving New Zealand.
Bringing Discovery Hut—Antarctica’s first expedition base—to life through cutting-edge Kiwi technology showcases how heritage conservation can embrace innovation. Visitors don VR headsets and interact with meticulously recreated artefacts and environments that tell the story of early polar exploration.
This article dives into the fascinating background of Captain Scott’s expedition, the vital preservation work by the Antarctic Heritage Trust, and how StaplesVR crafted this immersive journey. You’ll also get practical details on experiencing this unique exhibition firsthand at Te Papa.
Captain Robert Falcon Scott led the National Antarctic Expedition from 1901 to 1904, a groundbreaking journey focused on scientific discovery and geographic exploration of the mostly unknown Antarctic continent. A key part of this expedition was the building of Discovery Hut in 1902 on Ross Island, making it the first permanent base established in Antarctica.
Discovery Hut was more than just a place to stay; it played a crucial role in:
The hut’s strong wooden design has survived over a hundred years of severe conditions, preserving a snapshot of polar exploration history.
The expedition wasn’t a solo mission. Important individuals like Clarence Hare, a young man from Christchurch whose survival story during a two-day blizzard showcases the determination needed for such undertakings, added depth to the team’s dynamics. These men, united by resilience and friendship, established fundamental knowledge that influenced future Antarctic missions.
Scott’s National Antarctic Expedition and Discovery Hut represent human curiosity and perseverance in one of Earth’s most unforgiving environments—laying the groundwork for conservation initiatives and immersive technologies that now vividly revive this heritage.
The Antarctic Heritage Trust stands out as a global frontrunner in the preservation of cold-climate heritage, focusing on the conservation of significant historic huts.
With a mission deeply rooted in safeguarding the legacy of Antarctic exploration, they have undertaken the monumental task of maintaining and conserving iconic sites like Discovery Hut, Cape Evans hut, Cape Royds hut, and Scott Base hut.
The Trust’s dedication extends to meticulously caring for these historic huts, ensuring they stand the test of time for future generations to experience.
By meticulously preserving these structures, they offer a window into the past, allowing visitors to connect with the pioneering spirit of early explorers.
Facing the harsh realities of climate change, the Trust grapples with preserving these fragile sites against environmental threats.
Through strategic initiatives supported by grants such as the Ministry for Culture and Heritage Regeneration Fund, they continue to develop innovative preservation strategies to combat these challenges head-on.
The Antarctic Heritage Trust has partnered with StaplesVR, a virtual reality tech company based in Auckland, to create the first educational virtual reality experience of Captain Robert Falcon Scott’s Discovery Hut. Here are the key points regarding the development process:
StaplesVR Development:
Interactive Features:
The collaboration between StaplesVR and the Antarctic Heritage Trust showcases Kiwi ingenuity in VR development, offering a unique opportunity for audiences to delve into the historical significance of Captain Scott’s Discovery Hut.
Scott’s Discovery Hut VR Experience offers a range of immersive activities that make it an educational VR experience like no other. Here are some of the key features:
One of the most exciting activities in the VR experience is the opportunity to ride a hydrogen balloon, just like Scott did during his expeditions. This thrilling virtual ride allows users to gain a unique perspective of Antarctica’s breathtaking landscapes and understand the challenges faced by early explorers.
Through more than 500 conserved artefacts displayed virtually inside the hut, users can delve into the daily life of those who lived and worked in Antarctica during early expeditions. From tools used for navigation to personal belongings that provide insight into their routines, each artefact tells a story and contributes to a deeper understanding of this remote region.
The impact of Scott’s Discovery Hut VR Experience extends beyond individual users. It also has educational outreach benefits reaching schools, museums (including international tours), and public audiences who cannot visit Antarctica physically. By bringing this unique experience directly to them, it fosters a greater appreciation for polar history, environmental conservation, and cultural heritage.
With its combination of interactive activities, informative displays, and wide-reaching outreach efforts, Scott’s Discovery Hut VR Experience is not only an entertaining adventure but also an invaluable resource for education about Antarctica’s past and present.
Ready to step inside Captain Scott’s Discovery Hut without freezing your toes off? The VR experience is making its Wellington debut at Te Papa from Monday 7 to Sunday 13 July, right in the thick of the school holidays.
This isn’t just another museum exhibit; it’s a chance to experience Kiwi innovation firsthand while connecting with one of Antarctica’s most iconic heritage sites—all without leaving Wellington.
The Antarctic Heritage Trust, in collaboration with Auckland-based virtual reality tech company StaplesVR, have developed the first educational virtual reality experience of Captain Robert Falcon Scott’s Discovery Hut and are bringing it to Te Papa during the July school holidays.
As climate change impacts heritage sites, the Trust’s expert teams conduct essential monitoring programs to safeguard the structural integrity of historic huts like Discovery Hut. The data collected plays a crucial role in shaping adaptive preservation strategies for these iconic structures. Moreover, continuous fundraising efforts from generous donors and government grants play a vital role in supporting the Trust’s ongoing conservation work, ensuring the preservation of these significant sites for future generations to appreciate and learn from.
The combination of innovative technology and passionate conservation efforts has the power to inspire new generations to appreciate the legacy of polar exploration. It is through these initiatives that we can ensure the stories and achievements of explorers like Ernest Shackleton are not forgotten.
If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating history, I encourage you to book a visit to Te Papa’s VR exhibition or explore similar outreach programs offered by the Antarctic Heritage Trust online. These experiences provide a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of polar exploration and understand its significance in our shared human story.
