Three brand-new immersive virtual reality experiences are coming to Birmingham’s NEC from Friday 11th July, giving visitors of all ages the chance to step into incredible worlds.
The world-class VR experiences have been created by dedicated studios and will be presented simultaneously under one roof.
Napoleon – The Immersive Saga - by Sandora Studio
Step into the boots of a legend in this thrilling VR journey through the rise and fall of Napoleon Bonaparte. From epic battlefields to secret corridors of power, this breathtaking experience places you at the heart of history. Feel the tension, ambition and grandeur of one of the world’s most fascinating figures - as if you were truly there.
Wild Immersion – Experiment Nature - by Wild immersion
Get up close with members of the animal kingdom in this visually stunning and heartwarming wildlife adventure. Travel from the savannah to the Arctic, from the rainforest to the ocean floor - all without leaving Birmingham. A captivating, family-friendly experience that lets you live among majestic animals in their natural habitats — without disturbing a single paw, hoof or feather.
Fairy Tales - By Universe Studio
A magical treat for all ages, this whimsical VR adventure whisks you away into the worlds of your favourite fairy tales. Expect enchanted forests, talking creatures, mermaids, castles in the sky, and plenty of surprises around every corner. Whether you’re young or simply young at heart, this experience rekindles the joy of storytelling in the most spectacular way imaginable.
Universum Birmingham introduces the next generation of live entertainment – StoryLiving – where you don’t just watch a story unfold, you live inside it. It’s live entertainment reimagined.
Serge Grimaux, curator of Universum, said, "We’re thrilled to finally bring these extraordinary virtual reality experiences to the UK — it’s something we’ve dreamed of doing for a long time, so opening at the NEC Birmingham truly feels like a dream come true.
“The experiences we’re showcasing are among the best in the world, created by incredibly talented teams across three different studios. History lovers can step into 19th-century France with Napoleon – The Immersive Saga. Nature enthusiasts will be transported by Wild Immersion, which makes you feel like you’re really there. And families with young children will be enchanted by Fairy Tales, a journey through a magical, fantastical world.
“First came cinema, then video mapping — where works by artists like Van Gogh were projected onto giant surfaces, surrounding the viewer in two dimensions. Virtual reality adds the third. It puts the viewer inside the film, inside the story, in the very space where everything unfolds around them. The viewer becomes a participant, an actor. For a moment, their life merges with this parallel universe. That’s what we call StoryLiving.
“We truly believe there’s something for everyone — and we can’t wait to open our doors!" The show will be open from Friday 11th July until Sunday 24th August (excluding Tuesdays where it will be closed).
