Mesmerizing projection captivates and enchants museum guests in South Korea
South Korea’s dynamic museums have evolved far beyond static displays of artifacts encased in glass. Step into any museum and you’re likely to be greeted with artistic innovation paired with technology. Through the use of mesmerizing projection, interactive displays about history and culture captivate and enchant guests.
Projection technology has long been an integral part of Korea’s museum and exhibition market. Christie’s been a dynamic force here for over a decade, helping shape immersive visual experiences with expertise and innovation. In 2023 alone, we played a part in four exciting museum projects, including Museum X, Incheon Metropolitan City Museum, Gyeonggi Provincial Museum, and Asia Culture Center.
Paul Lee, sales manager, enterprise sales, Korea, says, “Through projection, artists’ messages are delivered onto new spaces and museum displays. Rather than simply pass through exhibitions, visitors can engage with interactive projections or enjoy movie-like content.”
Projection vs. LED video walls
With the rise of LED video walls, museum operators are compelled to weigh the merits of projection technology against the possibilities offered by LED displays.
Lee explains why projection technology is the preferred choice for these venues. “Due to the nature of an indoor exhibition space, when visitors get close to these images, each pixel will be clearly visible in the case of LED. This hinders the sense of immersion. Additionally, in order to project high-resolution images on a large area indoors with low illumination, projector images are more cost-effective and reduce eye fatigue compared to LEDs.”
“In museum exhibits or displays, the versatility of the projectors is endless as they can be used in different environments and surfaces. This flexibility allows for creative and adaptable setups,” says Paul Lee.
With space often limited for projection, there is a high demand for Ultra Short Throw (UST) lenses that adjust peripheral distortions and achieve balanced brightness on large images. UST lenses also enable you to position the projector as close as possible to your screen or display.
As a result, projection is often the preferred option for museums. Lee explains that projection doesn’t compromise the quality of the art and helps create an immersive viewing experience that enhances the art you display. Projectors are also a more practical choice due to their overall cost-effectiveness and ease of maintenance.
“In museum exhibits or displays, the versatility of the projectors is endless as they can be used in different environments and on a wide range of surfaces. This flexibility allows for creative and adaptable setups,” Lee says.
The outlook for projection technology in museums
The future for projectors in this market continues to look bright (pun fully intended!). According to Lee, projection is very much in demand as museums look to deliver new experiences and unique storytelling opportunities.
“We have seen a number of museum projects in 2023 that use our GS, HS, and Inspire Series [projectors] to achieve the best experiences,” says Lee. “For those who haven’t already considered projection, it’s definitely technology to explore.”
Lee suggests pairing projection with other Christie AV solutions - including Christie Pandoras Box® media and show control systems, Terra® SDVoE solutions, and Mystique™ automated camera-based alignment and recalibration solutions -- to further enhance museum operators’ capabilities. Together with Christie projectors, these sophisticated tools give museum operators seamless control over entire displays in diverse exhibition zones.
So, the next time you find yourself in Seoul or another major city in Korea, consider stepping into a museum that promises more than just artifacts behind glass. Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of projection, where art in every form takes on a dazzling display of creativity and storytelling. It’s a journey that goes beyond your traditional museum and leaves you with memories that linger long after you leave.
