Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut is known for creating immersive environments in its exhibits and multisensory encounters. These experiences take displays to another level by blending visuals, touch, sound, smell, and movement to enhance information absorption. These sensory effects are typically used to enrich the naturalistic settings of the aquarium’s exhibits, offering visitors a more immersive and lifelike experience.
As with many zoos and aquariums, the animal exhibits and encounters are among the most popular attractions. For example, Mystic Aquarium’s “The Arctic Coast” exhibit features beluga whales and is a standout attraction due to the rare chance to see these animals up close. Those seeking “more” can schedule a Zoom ™ call for a “Virtual Paint with A Beluga Whale.”
Their African penguin exhibit is also beloved, with the addition of the “Penguin Encounter,” a popular interactive program that lets visitors go behind the scenes to meet an African penguin up close. During this interactive session, participants learn about the unique personalities of these birds, gain insights into the aquarium’s conservation efforts, and observe trainers caring for the penguins.
A Lost World Comes to Life
What happens when an animal is unavailable or extinct but is a critical component to exploring ecosystems and the earth’s evolution? In many cases, curators take the opportunity to use atmospheric special effects to create a multi-sensory experience that brings the message home. As museum curators are chartered to engage visitors with amazing scenes that tell a story incorporating atmospheric effects to create spatial ambiance takes these experiences to another level. Such unique enrichment programs can include the implementation of mist, fog, and scent effects to enhance the exhibit and make lasting impressions.
Dino Seas Attraction Smells Like Success
The Dino Seas immersive exhibit at Mystic Aquarium transports visitors back to the Mesozoic Era, offering a close look at life in ancient oceans with larger-than-life dinosaurs and vibrant aquatic displays. With hands-on interactive experiences, animatronic undersea creatures and detailed life-sized dinosaur models, two thrilling 4-D movies, dynamic soundscapes, a two-story indoor play space, and live amphibians and reptiles, this engaging experience captivates audiences of all ages.
As soon as you step into the sprawling 10,000-square-foot space, you will be transported back to a prehistoric era. This immersive experience is designed to stimulate all your senses with numerous interactive features, including a unique olfactory challenge, such as the “guess-the-smell” activity. The “Guess the Smell” table challenges guests to identify scents associated with prehistoric ecosystems and marine life. By sniffing samples that mimic the aromas of ancient plants, minerals, and animal life, visitors get a surprising sensory insight into how the ancient world might have smelled. This playful element adds a hands-on learning aspect, making the exhibit as fun as it is educational.
SensoryCo’s SmX4DT system distributes the smells of Moss, Fish Market, and Sulfur to mimic the volcanic sulfur smell of steam most likely part of a dinosaur’s atmosphere. The ability to create a complete sensory immersion into a bygone era allows for a unique comprehension of this world.
Next Level Atmospheric Special Effects
Incorporating scent and atmospheric special effects into museum exhibits enriches the visitor experience by adding a sensory dimension beyond visual and auditory engagement. Scents can evoke powerful memories, create emotional connections, and deepen understanding of historical and cultural contexts, allowing visitors to feel more immersed in the narrative. This multisensory approach makes exhibits more memorable and impactful, transforming a traditional visit into an engaging and popular journey that resonates long after visitors leave.