At the heart of the National Museum of Racing is the new Hall of Fame, completely re-envisioned for the 21st century, and anchored by a 360-degree cinematic experience, “What it Takes: Journey to the Hall of Fame,” conceived and created by Donna Lawrence Productions with Gallagher & Associates, exhibit and interactive designers.
The signature film takes visitors behind the scenes and close to the action as it tells the story of the extreme level of skill, talent and dedication it takes to earn a coveted spot in the Hall of Fame — an honor awarded to fewer than one percent of the sport’s participants.
The Solution
Creative audiovisual engineering by Electrosonic delivered a multi-projector, multi-screen experience that fuses storytelling, technology and architecture with 4K projection covering interior walls as well as projecting onto two roll-drop central columns consisting of four retractable screens each.
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The Museum wanted to create the leading Hall of Fame in the country, while helping a new generation of visitors understand and appreciate the story and experience of thoroughbred racing. The Museum briefed the project team to meet three key objectives:
- To create a ground-breaking experience that would celebrate the rare level of performance Hall of Fame horses, riders, trainers and owners attain.
- To raise awareness and understanding of the rich heritage and history of thoroughbred racing.
- To reveal the extraordinary talent, expertise acquired over generations, exhaustive 24/7 effort, and deep emotional connection with horses required to reach this pinnacle of achievement in the sport.
The project team was also charged with highlighting Saratoga’s unique role as the oldest and one of the greatest thoroughbred racetracks in the country (est. 1863) and creating a destination experience that would complement the Museum’s extensive collection of art and memorabilia.
The Installation at the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame
Although the focus of much of the rest of museum is on history, Electrosonic felt it was important to use technology and interactivity in the new Hall of Fame experience to help engage a new generation of visitors.
Over a two-year period, the partners transformed the museum’s Hall of Fame space into a compelling multimedia experience that boldly celebrates the heart, soul and stunning accomplishments of the greatest horses, jockeys, trainers and owners in the sport of thoroughbred racing.
The approach was to deliver a great guest experience through the fusion of architecture, storytelling and technology.
In this case, the team saw the opportunity to make the most effective use of the spacious architecture of the Museum’s Hall of Fame by using immersive, interactive technologies to fully engage the audience in the story.
Since the projection requirements were complex, Electrosonic took responsibility for technical direction and detailed engineering, as well as audiovisual design to ensure the technology would deliver the creative vision.
Electrosonic was also appointed to handle the AV equipment installation and system integration on-site, providing a seamless service throughout from design to final commissioning.
To ensure the installations would continue to operate reliably, the Electrosonic team established a remote monitoring and preventative maintenance service, and provided training and ongoing help desk support for the Museum’s operations team.
One of the major challenges was that installation coincided with the beginning of the COVID 19 pandemic. The Electrosonic team included crew that could not leave to see their families. If they left, they would not be allowed to return to the site.
Customer Reaction
The Museum is now recognized for its world-class Hall of Fame, establishing it as one of the leading Halls of Fame in the country. This prestigious reputation, in turn, is helping to attract more donors and provide the essential foundation for future growth.
The experience brings the long, proud story of thoroughbred racing to a new generation, helping to broaden the sport’s appeal.
Equipment List:
- Barco F90-4K13 4K 11,8000 Lumens DLP Projector
- Chief Heavy Duty Universal Projector Mount
- Peerless SmartMount
- Rosebrand Big Screen Roll Drume and Little Screen Roll Drum
- Gerriets Screens
