Virtual Dining Table Conversations Involving Digital Characters

The Archaeological Museum on Europaplatz in central Herne is set to host an exciting new annual exhibition, titled "Bon appétit! How food connects us." The exhibition, running from October 3, 2025, to September 13, 2026, promises to be a captivating exploration of power, belonging, social change, and culture through shared meals.

A highlight of the exhibition is the virtual dining table, developed by Dominik Böhnisch from Düsseldorf University of Applied Sciences and his team. This innovative feature allows guests to perceive the "real world" while experiencing a digital table. Three computer-generated avatars guide museum visitors through a specially developed story at this virtual dining table.

The virtual dining table merges the real and virtual worlds in a computer game-like environment. Visitors can immerse themselves in this historical setting, creating the illusion of being transported back in time while still being in a real place. Each visitor has a role in the story and interacts with other participants.

At the virtual dining table, voices coming from different directions enhance the spatial impression. Visitors can touch, lift, and examine the exhibits from all angles. The table setup is such that guests can feel and sit on a real table, with the digital table appearing when they put on the VR headset.

Interestingly, up to three visitors can sit at the virtual dining table simultaneously, and they can still perceive each other despite wearing the headset. Some exhibits are nearby in a display case, making it appealing for visitors to interact with them in the virtual setting.

The avatars can look at and address the guests directly, making them feel present in the virtual space. The new annual exhibition at the Archaeological Museum in Herne aims to explore various aspects of shared meals, including royal banquets, peasant meals, family dinners, and lunch breaks.

Unfortunately, the search results do not provide information about the name of the developer of the virtual board in the Archaeological Museum exhibition in Herne. Regardless, this innovative exhibition is not to be missed for those seeking a unique blend of history, technology, and cultural exploration.