400 Years Alive

In 1624, Oslo burned to the ground. King Christian IV ordered the city rebuilt further west and gave it a new name after himself, Christiania. But who was this king really, and what was life like for the people who lived behind the walls of Akershus Fortress four centuries ago?

Together with the Norwegian Armed Forces Museum, we created a digital installation to celebrate Oslo turning 400 years old. The exhibition features real-time 3D avatars powered by conversational AI, each based on historical Norwegian figures living at the time. Through a combination of technology, storytelling, and design, museum visitors can engage in lifelike conversations with people from the past, hearing the stories, thoughts, and voices of those who helped shape Oslo as we know it today.

Using Unreal Engine and artificial intelligence, we brought these historical figures to life with personalities and appearances based on real sources. Each avatar was shaped through a mix of history books, archival records, and handwritten letters, while their visual design drew inspiration from existing paintings to ensure historical accuracy.

Once brought to life, the avatars react to the world around them. A depth sensor detects when a visitor approaches, prompting them to turn and engage in conversation. They listen closely, then respond through an advanced language model, speaking with natural voices and expressive facial movements, turning memories of the past into moments that feel alive again.