Pilot Projects, British Museum

Ralph Appelbaum Associates (RAA) worked with The British Museum to develop new approaches to interpretation in the Museum’s Assyrian and Roman Britain Galleries. Referred to as the Pilot Projects, the experimental exercise aims to draw attention to the fascinating stories behind some of the Museum’s most renowned objects – the Assyrian reliefs and Vindolanda Tablets. The Roman Britain and Assyrian galleries are reimagined using new graphics, lighting, sound, motion, and narrative design. Theatrical projections dance over the reliefs, illuminating intricate details such as the lion’s mane, the king’s arrow, his guards and chariot. Immersive audio recreates the frenetic energy of the hunt and places visitors directly into the action portrayed in the reliefs. Animated projections run over the king’s chariot in the relief to bring the static carvings to life.

Visitors experience the epic sweep of history through layered storytelling — from simple anecdotes to in-depth archaeological exposition — tailored for all ages. Soundscapes, projections, and interactive displays create vivid, relatable connections to the past, blending history with cutting-edge design to make the ancient world feel uncannily present.