Sarner International, a pioneer in experiential design, has embarked on an ambitious project that redefines the role of museums in contemporary society. Selected to design and deliver the UNTOLD Stories of the Irish in the British Army, Sarner is crafting a transformative cultural experience housed in the historic Linen Quarter of Belfast. This initiative not only preserves a rich military history spanning over 350 years but also sets a new standard in immersive storytelling, intertwining the past with innovative technology to create a deeply engaging visitor experience. Scheduled to open in 2027, the museum promises to be a premier cultural hub, merging heritage with modernity in a way that resonates deeply with diverse audiences.
This project stands out not only for its historical significance but for its dedication to inclusivity and dialogue. By uniting six historic regimental collections with renovated galleries at Enniskillen Castle, Sarner is tasked with consolidating fragile artifacts while addressing complex and often contested narratives surrounding identity and service. The museum is designed to go beyond traditional exhibits, focusing on the human impact of conflict and the stories of families and communities often overshadowed in military histories.
Bradley Wynne, creative director at Sarner International, encapsulates the project’s ethos succinctly: “UNTOLD is about more than history on display. It is about voices being heard – sometimes for the very first time – and heard with sensitivity. The challenge is to weave together many complex strands into a coherent, authentic, and thought-provoking visitor experience.” His insight highlights the delicate balance between honoring history and fostering an environment of empathy and understanding.
Dr. Laura Patrick, project director at UNTOLD: The Museum Ltd, adds to this vision, stating, “The design team at Sarner have an innate ability to understand our need to highlight the collection for education purposes, but in a way that is immersive, engaging and accessible. We cannot wait to open the doors to our visitors in 2027.” Her words underscore the museum’s commitment to education through cutting-edge, audience-focused design.
What sets Sarner’s work apart in the realm of immersive experiences is their seamless integration of heritage preservation with modern technology. The project uses advanced audiovisual engineering and production to create a multisensory environment that appeals across generations—from school groups to veterans and international visitors. The design respects and enhances the historic fabric of the listed linen warehouse, using immersive technology not simply as a spectacle but as a tool for deep storytelling and emotional connection. This approach reflects a broader trend in the fulldome and immersive media communities, where technology is wielded thoughtfully to elevate narratives rather than overshadow them.
Sarner’s turnkey design and build approach ensures that the creative vision is maintained from concept through to installation, resulting in a cohesive visitor journey—a key innovation in how experiential museums are delivered today. This model allows for a high level of quality and consistency, aligning with contemporary expectations for interactive, inclusive cultural spaces that engage rather than merely inform.
Within the global immersive media and fulldome landscape, Sarner International continues to be a leading force, evidenced by their recent upgrade to the climate exhibition at Norway’s Glacier Museum. The UNTOLD project enriches their portfolio by demonstrating how immersive design can responsibly handle sensitive, multilayered histories while fostering dialogue and reconciliation. Their work resonates with the growing demand at dome festivals, planetarium venues, and touring institutions for content that educates, inspires, and brings disparate communities together through shared experience.
Sarner International exemplifies how experiential design can push boundaries and transform traditional museum visits into inclusive, thought-provoking journeys. As the UNTOLD Museum prepares to open, it stands as a beacon of innovative storytelling within the fulldome medium—inviting global audiences to witness history through a lens of empathy and connection. This project is not just about the past; it is a blueprint for how immersive media can shape the future of cultural engagement.
Originally reported by Charlotte Coates via blooloop.com on 2025-09-05 02:02:00.
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