Oceano Odyssey – Mission Pelagos has been awarded the MONDO DR AWARD in the “MUSEUM” category

Organised by MONDO-DR magazine, the MONDO-DR AWARDS recognise the most outstanding achievements each year in the fields of audiovisual media, immersive technologies and systems integration. They recognise cultural and entertainment venues, as well as designers, installers and integrators who implement innovative solutions to enhance the audience experience. A global benchmark in the immersive technology sector, this award highlights the most successful projects in categories such as museums, attractions, theme parks, immersive experiences, performance venues and cultural facilities.

On 17 June, at the awards ceremony held as part of the InfoComm trade show in Las Vegas, the MONDO-DR Awards jury awarded its prize in the MUSEUM category to ‘Oceano Odyssey – Mission Pelagos’, chosen from among four international finalists in this category. Following an initial assessment phase conducted by an independent jury of international experts, the finalist projects were put to a vote by industry professionals.

This accolade recognises the Oceanographic Institute’s ability to reinvent itself through new forms of museum outreach that enrich the public’s engagement with major environmental issues, in line with its mission to foster dialogue between the arts, science and innovation.

[OCEANO ODYSSEY – MISSION PELAGOS, AT THE HEART OF THE ‘MEDITERRANEAN 2050’ EXHIBITION]

With Oceano Odyssey, the Oceanographic Institute offers an immersive experience based on a simple idea: to imagine what the Mediterranean might look like in 2050 if the commitments made today to protect it were fully honoured.

Designed and produced in collaboration with the agency Artisans d’idées, the experience combines immersive scenography, scientific storytelling and cutting-edge audiovisual technologies integrated within the Whale Room, an iconic heritage space at the Oceanographic Museum.

Thanks to a system comprising 27 4K laser video projectors, a spatialised soundscape and photorealistic digital content developed specifically for the project, visitors embark on the exploration vessel Oceano Odyssey for a scientific mission to the heart of the Pelagos Sanctuary. This project exemplifies a new generation of museum experiences, where technology takes a back seat to storytelling, emotion, the sharing of knowledge and raising awareness of ocean-related issues. Designed as a truly sensory journey, the installation invites visitors to envisage a positive future, discovering a restored marine ecosystem teeming with life.

By combining scientific excellence, creative vision and technological innovation, Oceano Odyssey demonstrates that it is possible to transform a heritage site into a benchmark immersive experience without altering its identity. The experience is as awe-inspiring as it is thought-provoking: emotion becomes a catalyst for raising awareness and encouraging every visitor to play an active role in protecting the ocean.

‘True to the pioneering spirit that has driven the Oceanographic Institute since its inception, we are committed to constantly devising new ways of engaging the public to help them understand, appreciate and protect the ocean. With Oceano Odyssey – Mission Pelagos, we offer an immersive experience that harnesses the most innovative technologies to foster knowledge and a sense of wonder. This project reflects our commitment to combining scientific excellence, technological innovation and emotional engagement to bring the public ever closer to the major challenges of marine conservation, to spark curiosity and, above all, to inspire everyone to take action. I would like to pay tribute to the teams’ boldness, expertise and passion, and to extend my warmest thanks to our partners and patrons, whose trust and support have been essential to bringing this exhibition to fruition. ” said Robert Calcagno, Director-General of the Oceanographic Institute of Monaco.