Ancient Egypt has come to Calgary or more specifically to the CF Chinook Centre. An immersive virtual reality experience where viewers of different ages, abilities, and backgrounds can get a look into giant pyramids and old worlds. Because this was such a hit in many cities around the world (i.e. Paris, London, etc.) the people of Cowtown can experience an adventure that would make the O’Connell jealous.
The people we have to thank for making this VR playground is a company called Excurio but it is from the people of PHI Studio that brought it here to Calgary. With their distribution and operation of this experience, people can unravel mysteries that seem so out of reach. The chief of New Media Partnerships & PR at PHI Studio Myriam Achard was more than happy to answer our questions about this incredible event. Let’s find out what we can learn.
When did you come up with this concept?
We opened it in February 2024 in Montreal. We sold over 220,000 tickets and were excited to see the smiles on people’s faces. As we saw that the public loved it so much, we wanted to make sure that other places could experience this adventure as well.
Who did you want to cater this experience to?
Mostly families, especially children from ages 8 and up. Yes, we wanted to include people of all ages and abilities but what we wanted is to give kids the chance to learn and enjoy something that is in the realm of education. To see the wonder in their eyes when it is over and know that the next generation is learning about Egypt is inspirational.
You specifically chose Ancient Egypt for this experience. Why is that?
When we spoke to Excurio, we learned that they have worked closely with a professional Egyptologist working at Harvard University. His name is Peter Der Manuelian. He has much knowledge on the subject and many interesting facts that make a person want to learn more.
When we speak about Egypt, we know that it holds so many secrets and we would like to see how people lived back then. Not only is it meant to be entertaining but also educational that the public would never forget.
Why virtual reality vs real-life immersion?
Virtual reality to us is a medium that is both immersive and allows a person to be active inside of the legend itself. You are not just looking at something behind a glass in a museum but you are a part of the story. In a way, you are actually transported through space and time to behold Ancient Egypt in all its glory.
Why did we have guides to this adventure?
We find that a lot of people love having guides as a reassurance that they are not in this alone. This way people can feel like they will not get lost and can follow along with the story. We get a lot of first-timers when it comes to the VR world and the guides are what help them get their bearings.
What is the main point you want people to take from this experience?
We hope that they take a lot of things from this. We want them to have fun and see a bunch of happy smiles when they leave us. We also like hearing that they have learned something new and interesting. We also like knowing that we have allowed people to travel to a far-off land without having to leave the country. It is amazing that people can have fun and learn something exciting all while taking this unique journey.
Thanks for talking to us today!
No worries. I was happy to do it.
After experiencing this exciting new (or should I say “old”) world. This is an adventure that no one should pass up. Don’t be scared because everything you will perceive is not only safe and easy but filled with exhilaration. To see this fantastic happening for yourselves visit this website: Horizon of Khufu in Calgary: the VR experience to pyramids. You will not be sorry you did.
