Go 2000 years back in time with the Virtual Reality Bus†
Whoever said time travel wasn’t possible hasn’t heard of the Virtual Reality Bus, a 16-passenger vehicle operated by Invisible Cities that uses powerful 3D technology to transport you back in time for a 30-minute ride through Rome during its heyday.
What makes this immersive experience so unique is that there are no headsets. Instead, Invisible Cities uses large transparent 4K OLED screens installed in front of every window on the bus to deliver immersive 3D content.
Using the curtains attached to each “window”, this magical school bus will teleport you back in time to ancient Rome. At least that’s how it looks for the passengers inside. When the curtains are raised, passengers see a modern view of their surroundings. When lowered, they are immediately transported 2,000 years back to ancient Rome.
This is not just a visual experience. The VR bus includes other elements to really sell the experience. In addition to the 4K OLED screens, the bus is also equipped with a three-axis accelerometer, magnetometer, speed measurement and a surface laser that all come together to capture every bump, turn and speed of the bus and incorporate it into the virtual experience. .
Digital speakers on the bus provide a realistic audio experience that will make you think you’re driving through a crowd of ancient Romans, while a network of small vents diffuse scents of frankincense, myrrh, charcoal, Guaita wood, birch and vetiver grass as you pass temples, and hints of metallic aldehydes, civic musk, and cumin as you pass the Colosseum.
“The VR Bus project allows visitors to literally immerse themselves in the history of Rome”, said Mayor of the city Roberto Gualtieri, who described the experience as a “A unique initiative” that will take tourists and Roman inhabitants “traveling to discover Rome’s past.”
Another thing to mention is that the Virtual Bus is also an electric bus, so completely sustainable!
Invisible Cities VR bus tours are available now and run every 40 minutes between 4:20 PM and 7:40 PM and last 30 minutes. English-language tours are available at 5:00 PM, 6:20 PM and 7:40 PM. All other tours are in Italian.
Tickets cost €16 and are for sale online or at the counter at Trajan’s Column. Children under six years old ride for free.
Image Credit: Invisible Cities