Immersive Tunnel -

The tunnel walls are covered with two ultra-high-definition LED screens; the 3D-animated images reconstruct the historical environment with philological precision, based on extensive documentary research and comparison with archival sources from the Bourbon period. The aim is to offer a dynamic and immersive view of the event portrayed in the painting, transforming the scene into a spatial and temporal narrative in which visitors can feel as if they are part of the action.

The reconstruction process followed strict criteria for historical validation. All represented elements were classified into four categories: objects still in existence, items no longer present but documented, components without references reconstructed according to period realism, and areas outside the painted scene, reinterpreted for narrative continuity. The urban landscape, architecture, vegetation, furnishings, decorations, and human figures were modeled in 3D with meticulous attention to detail. Among the reproduced elements are historic buildings such as Castel Sant’Elmo and the Basilica del Carmine, as well as the Bayard train, faithfully recreated based on the original drawings.

Animated characters—including Bourbon soldiers, court members, and citizens—were developed from iconographic references and archival documents. Military uniforms, civilian attire, and hairstyles accurately reflect the fashion and aesthetic codes of the period. Character animation combined motion capture techniques with traditional 3D animation, paying particular attention to movement coherence and the expressiveness of gestures and facial expressions, capturing the atmosphere and emotions of the historical moment.

The experience is completed by cinematic direction guiding the visitor’s gaze through the narrative, accompanied by an immersive soundtrack. Multichannel audio synchronized with the visuals enhances the realistic perception of the environment, with ambient sounds and historically accurate noises—from the whistle of the Bayard locomotive to the chatter of the crowd—carefully orchestrated to heighten the emotional impact.

The design of the installation was supported by a digital twin of the tunnel, allowing each component—animations, lighting, projection, and audio—to be tested in a simulated environment. This enabled verification and optimization of the final scenic effect before physical implementation, ensuring coherence between the narrative intention and technological execution. The system, managed via a Crestron control platform, allows constant monitoring and real-time adjustment of the performance.

The dynamic reinterpretation of Fergola’s painting through Pietrarsa’s immersive tunnel demonstrates the potential of immersive technologies to transform the museum experience from static to interactive. By surpassing traditional visual boundaries, the installation allows for a deeper narrative exploration of historical and cultural contexts, strengthening the connection between visitors and heritage. This approach aligns with a broader trend in which XR technologies not only enhance the aesthetics and storytelling of cultural heritage but also expand accessibility, enabling a more inclusive experience regardless of physical or geographical constraints.