SHMOG NXT is the world’s most advanced hyperrealistic realtime-3D museum.
COO and the Shanghai Museum of Glass introduce NXT, a groundbreaking, family-friendly museum experience that revolutionizes cultural visits. Utilizing a digital twin of the iconic Shanghai museum, advanced game engines, and AI-backed programming, NXT creates an engaging and educational cultural adventure.
This innovative project offers visitors a high degree of freedom and creativity while exploring the museum’s physical and digital spaces.
By blending physical space, digital experiences, and cutting-edge storytelling, SHMOG NXT delivers a unique, next-generation museum experience that caters to all ages and interests.
BACKGROUND
The Shanghai Museum of Glass, a symbol of cultural excellence in China, has inspired visitors with art, design, science, and innovation since 2011.
With the launch of SHMOG NXT, the museum expands its reach, offering accessible exhibitions in both physical and digital realms.
Doubling its phygital exhibition space to over 50,000 square meters, NXT aims to become a dynamic platform for showcasing new exhibitions and captivating diverse audiences.
DESIGN
SHMOG NXT’s design is inspired by the award-winning architecture of its physical counterpart, transcending limitations through immersive storytelling and cutting-edge technology.
The architecture, design, and materials of SHMOG NXT work together to create an industrial atmosphere within the former glass factory, while still maintaining a bright and positive ambiance. An abundance of lush foliage and natural plants add a soft, dream-like quality to the modern, futuristic setting.
CURATION
SHMOG NXT offers a non-linear, interactive experience for visitors, combining diverse fields such as art, design, science, and innovation to create a unique and comprehensive journey.
It harmoniously blends physical artworks, virtual multimedia exhibits, and immersive digital experiences.
The platform aims to seamlessly integrate the museum’s physical art collection into the digital realm.
Advanced 3D technology allows visitors to explore barrier-free virtual environments, examining exhibits up close. SHMOG NXT not only showcases its collection but also provokes thought-provoking inquiries about our future, nature, and social issues, encouraging visitors to reflect on their experiences and perspectives.
VISITOR EXPERIENCE
SHMOG NXT offers a photorealistic, real-time museum exploration experience, accessible at four designated stations within the physical museum.
This innovative approach allows visitors to tailor their journey, explore exhibits at their own pace, and immerse themselves in the exhibitions. Guided tours are available for those who prefer a structured experience.
This family-friendly platform encourages group visits and socialization in the digital world.
Visitors in the real world can observe others experiencing the virtual tour on display screens, while in the virtual realm, each visitor is represented by a digital avatar, allowing for interaction and a social museum experience.
TECH
SHMOG NXT, based on the real physical environment of the Shanghai Museum of Glass, offers a fully immersive and realistic 3D experience with meticulous recreations of buildings, interiors, displays, and exhibits.
Utilizing Unreal Engine 5.2, it provides photorealistic visuals and real-time exploration from the visitor’s perspective.
3D experts have hand-modeled digital versions of each piece in the museum’s collection, and Nanite, UNREAL 5’s Virtualized Micropolygon Geometry System, is used to control the high complexity of the exhibits.
The Lumen system controls light, providing dynamic illumination and reflections ideal for glass objects, while procedural audio design metasound enhances immersion with dynamic sound control. Unreal Engine’s Blueprint Visual Scripting system allows for unparalleled flexibility and power, enabling designers to create gameplay elements and programmers to build baseline systems.
