The I600 projectors provided an outstanding price-quality ratio, delivering exceptional performance and flexibility. This allowed us to create an immersive exhibition that truly brings the history of St. Peter’s Basilica to life.
Immersive wonders at the Vatican Basilica
Vatican City · 2025
Vatican City may be one of the smallest countries in the world, they’re going big with a new immersive experience at the St. Peter’s Basilica. The Pétros Ení exhibition is a wondrous visual treat inviting visitors to explore the basilica’s rich history through stunning video mappings. As the first project to feature the Barco I600 projectors, we are proud to have played a pivotal role in bringing this vision to life.
Barco solutions:
- 7x I600-4K8
Key benefits:
- Captivating visuals with pinpoint accuracy
- Outstanding performance at a competitive pricing
- High reliability thanks to flexible service offering
Context
Vatican City, the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church, is home to St. Peter's Basilica, one of the most iconic and largest Christian basilicas in the world. This architectural marvel attracts millions of visitors each year, drawn by its historical, religious, and artistic significance. Pétros Ení, meaning “Peter is here” is an immersive exhibition at St. Peter's Basilica that combines spirituality, art, and technology to create a special experience for visitors. The exhibition route unfolds within historic spaces of the Basilica, specifically restored for the occasion.
The visit begins in the “Ventagli” (Fans) room, where the path is organized on two levels. On one side, it reveals the origins of the Basilica and its reconstruction around the burial site of the Apostle Peter. On the other, it guides the visitor in a digital exploration of the modern Basilica, suspended between heaven and earth: from the saints who welcome and protect us from the heights of the colonnade to the majestic dome rising toward the sky, and finally to the altar erected above Saint Peter’s tomb.
In the "Octagonal Rooms," the journey moves through the main stages of Saint Peter's life up to his martyrdom. The apostle's story intertwines with that of the basilica, which is first shown in a video made entirely with computer graphics and then in its current configuration, through astonishing views realized with the latest technologies.
Challenge
It was a privilege to work at such an iconic location, but the installation's proximity to the Pope's residence also added complexity, necessitating stringent security measures and accommodating frequent interruptions. Additionally, working within the historic and sacred environment of St. Peter's Basilica demanded careful planning and execution to preserve the site's integrity while achieving the desired immersive experience.
Solution
The project was a collaboration between Microsoft, the Vaticano and Iconem, resulting in the world's first 3D replica of St. Peter's Basilica. Over 400,000 high-resolution drone photographs of the massive structure were processed through artificial intelligence to create a detailed digital twin, allowing people to explore the basilica in a new way.
Orpheo, system integrator for visitor attractions all around the world, was selected as the audiovisual engineering partner. Orpheo then chose Barco as its visualization partner ensuring smooth collaboration and successful project completion. They utilized seven Barco projectors in the Octagonal Rooms highlighting different aspects of Saint Peter's martyr life and its connection to the basilica's history.
The I600-4K8 projectors were selected for their high brightness and color range, essential for creating a captivating visual experience and highlighting the intricate details of the basilica’s digital twin. The use of these projectors not only enhanced the visual storytelling with pinpoint accuracy, but also provided a robust solution that met the project's stringent quality and budget requirements.
Barco's flexible service offering will ensure uninterrupted performance, with advance swap options providing swift replacements if needed, crucial for maintaining the high standards required for this prestigious installation.
Results
The high-quality projection mapping and detailed 3D replica have received widespread acclaim, enhancing the cultural and historical appreciation of St. Peter's Basilica. The project was completed on time and within budget, thanks to the excellent relationship and collaboration between Orpheo and Barco. "Working with Barco on the Pétros Ení project was a fantastic experience,” adds Florent Inebria, Head of AV Engineering at Orpheo. “The new I600 projectors provided an outstanding price-quality ratio, delivering exceptional performance and flexibility. This allowed us to create an immersive exhibition that truly brings the history of St. Peter’s Basilica to life."
In 2025, Rome and the Vatican will host a jubilee with more than 30 million pilgrims expected to visit the city and its basilica, on top of the 50,000 who visit on a normal day. The Pétros Ení exhibition will play a crucial role, offering these visitors an unparalleled immersive experience that blends spirituality, art, and technology.
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