First Kings of Europe

An Immersive Journey Through Light, Projection, and Sound

My Role

• Creative Direction

• Projection Mapping & Visual Design

• Experience Design

• Sound Direction & Creative Collaboration

Overview

First Kings of Europe invited visitors to explore the rise of Europe's earliest complex societies through remarkable archaeological discoveries spanning the Neolithic, Copper, Bronze, and Iron Ages. To support the exhibition's narrative, I directed the creative development of immersive media experiences that combined projection mapping and environmental sound to evoke ancient landscapes, ceremonial traditions, and the emotional atmosphere of prehistoric life. By integrating visual storytelling with original sound design, the media transformed key exhibition moments into multisensory experiences that deepened visitor engagement while remaining grounded in historical authenticity.

Concept Direction

As Creative Director for the exhibition's media experiences, I led the creative vision and development of immersive projection mapping and sound design that supported the exhibition's interpretive goals. I collaborated closely with curators, exhibit designers, composer Justin Peterson, and sound designer Ryan Grostefon to translate archaeological research into engaging multisensory experiences. From concept development through installation, I guided the creative direction for projection mapping, environmental storytelling, and auditory experiences, ensuring every media element worked together to enhance the visitor journey while remaining historically authentic and seamlessly integrated with the exhibition environment.

The exhibition featured two projection mapping installations that established distinct moments within the visitor journey. The first welcomed visitors into a mysterious, fog-filled forest, using layered translucent fabric, shifting light, and subtle animation to create the sensation of moving through an ancient woodland. The restrained visual language encouraged exploration and reflection while introducing the exhibition's themes.

Projection Mapping Installation

The second installation animated a life-sized Bronze Age funeral pyre, transforming a static diorama into a quiet, ceremonial experience. Working closely with curators, I translated archaeological research into an immersive visual narrative that honored the cultural significance of southeastern European cremation rituals. Flickering firelight, drifting smoke, and understated animation conveyed the solemnity of the ceremony while allowing the artifacts to remain the focal point.

Projection Mapping Installation

Soundscape Concept

To further immerse visitors, I collaborated with composer Justin Peterson and sound designer Ryan Grostefon to develop a cohesive soundscape that extended the exhibition's storytelling beyond the visuals. Together, we established an auditory language for the exhibition that reflected the emotional character of different historical periods. The Neolithic and Iron Age galleries featured original musical compositions blended with environmental textures, creating immersive atmospheres that complemented the artifacts and reinforced each gallery's distinct identity.

We also designed targeted sound moments for transitional spaces, including the Copper Age and Bronze Age, using subtle audio cues to guide visitors naturally through the exhibition. For the funeral pyre installation, the soundscape became an integral storytelling element, pairing crackling fire, ambient textures, and original composition with the projection mapping to evoke the emotional weight of an ancient funerary ritual.

The Result

Throughout the project, I collaborated with curators, exhibit designers, composers, and technical teams to ensure every media element supported a unified visitor experience. Using projection mapping, environmental sound, and layered storytelling, we created immersive moments that enhanced interpretation without overwhelming the artifacts.

The result was a multisensory exhibition where light, motion, and sound worked together to transform archaeological objects into living stories. By balancing historical authenticity with emotional resonance, the media invited visitors to experience ancient Europe not simply as a collection of artifacts, but as a vivid cultural landscape.

Project Credits

Client
Field Museum

Role
Creative Direction, Projection Mapping Design, Experience Design, Sound Direction & Creative Collaboration

Exhibit Design
Sarah Daley

Graphic Design
Jason Gagovski

Composer
Justin Peterson

Sound Design
Ryan Grostefon

Media Integration
Field Museum