Ara Pacis in Rome Gets AR/VR Makeover with 'L'Ara com'era'

The Museo dell'Ara Pacis in Rome has launched 'L'Ara com'era', an augmented and virtual reality experience that allows visitors to see the ancient altar in its original colors and setting. The project, promoted by Roma Capitale and the Sovrintendenza Capitolina ai Beni Culturali, was organized by Zètema Progetto Cultura with technical execution by ETT SpA. It features 9 points of interest, including 2 VR and 7 AR stations. Using Samsung Gear VR headsets, visitors can explore a 3D reconstruction of the Campus Martius area, including the Pantheon, Saepta Julia, Mausoleum of Augustus, and aqueduct. The experience includes a virtual guide in the form of Emperor Augustus and a reenactment of an annual sacrificial rite. The AR component overlays original colors onto the monument's reliefs, with real-time tracking for precision. The project launched in October 2016 and was updated in January 2017. It is available every Friday and Saturday until April 15, then daily from April 21 to October 31, in the evening.