Dare to Discover, the Virtual Reality journey that takes you back to the Dutch Golden Age, was launched by Het Scheepvaartmuseum (the Dutch National Maritime Museum) on 14 December.
On board the East Indiaman Amsterdam, Dare to Discover transports visitors back to the 17th century when Amsterdam was the world's largest port and the Netherlands was a world power. The VR journey allows visitors to witness a number of unique happenings from those days such as the construction of the Zeemagazijn – now home to Het Scheepvaartmuseum – and the building of warships on the shipyard premises. They can even join a farewell on the quayside where the crew is boarding one of the Dutch East India Company's ships.
A Masterpiece by Reinier Nooms
The VR journey is based on the masterpiece by Reinier Nooms "Gezicht op het IJ met 's Lands Zeemagazijn te Amsterdam" (View of the river IJ with 's Lands Zeemagazijn), dating from 1664 (see picture below). This painting depicts a number of warships on the water in front of the building that currently houses Het Scheepvaartmuseum.
If you look closely during the VR Journey, you may spot a depiction of Nooms himself in a little boat. Nooms is one of the most important maritime painters of the 17th century. He owed his nickname 'Zeeman' (The Seaman) to his many sea voyages.
Concept and Development VR
The concept for the interior design and the identity of the VR is developed by NorthernLight. Shosho is responsible for the realisation of the content of the VR.
Watch the trailer of Dare to Discover below.
