The Petrich History Museum Project Reviving History
The project description
DATE

September 2023

SERVICES

3D Digital Twin & Animation

INDUSTRY

Cultural Heritage

Introduction

The History Museum of Petrich has a rich tradition of preserving Bulgaria’s cultural heritage. Established in 1966, the museum has been a cornerstone in showcasing artifacts from the late Neolithic period to modern times.

Located in its new home in Petrich City Park since May 2022, the museum features exhibits that narrate the historical journey from the ancient city of Heraclea Sintica to the contemporary history of Petrich.

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The museum faced significant challenges in maintaining and presenting its vast collection of artifacts. Many of these items, discovered during archaeological excavations, required careful preservation and modern display methods to engage visitors effectively.

The need for restoration was critical to prevent further deterioration and to make these historical treasures accessible to a wider audience, including children and individuals with visual impairments.

The significance of this 3D historical restoration project was immense. With the help of modern technology, the museum aimed to not only preserve these artifacts but also enhance the educational experience for its visitors.

In short, this project was crucial for bringing history to life in a way that traditional displays could not achieve.

We were hired to address these challenges. The project goal was to 3D scan and create photorealistic 3D doubles (replicas) of key museum exhibits. This included producing educational short clips and 3D printing some of the models for interactive displays that visitors could touch and explore.

Additionally, the PBR real-time 3D assets were showcased on touch screen kiosks, allowing visitors to interact with the exhibits in a modern and engaging way.

Through this project, our team demonstrated their expertise in 3D scanning services, 3D modeling, and digital preservation, helping the museum to bring its historical exhibits into the digital age.

From challenges to solutions, let’s explore this project in detail.

EXPLORING THE ARTIFACTS

Our project at the History Museum of Petrich involved creating 3D digital solutions for 13 key exhibits from the ancient city of Heraclea Sintica.

This archaeological site holds significant historical value, with artifacts spanning from the Neolithic period to modern times.

Project Scope and Challenges

Our mission was to digitally preserve and present these items in a way that would engage and educate visitors. We also aimed to create educational videos that highlight the rich history of the exhibits.

We faced the challenge of working with a diverse range of artifacts, each with its own unique characteristics.

— The key exhibits included:
  • Bronze Statuette of Heracles
  • Clay Figure of Dionysus
  • Golden Necklace
  • Grotesque Clay Figure
  • Candle
  • Heraclea Tablet
  • Marble Head
  • Marble Stela Tablet
  • Mask Mold
  • Two Nemesis Tablets
  • Roman Stone Statue
  • Theatrical Clay Mask
  • Thracian Horseman
  • Tablet

These items were not only varied in material and size but also in the level of detail they possessed. Our task was to ensure that each artifact was accurately captured and digitally recreated using our 3D scanning and photogrammetry.

One of the biggest constraints we faced was time. We had only two days to scan all the exhibits and the archaeological remains. This tight schedule required meticulous planning and efficient execution.

Some of our team members focused on 3D scanning the exhibits with the photogrammetry setups, while the rest were involved in capturing the Heraclea Sintica (archaeological site) itself.

However, the best part is that despite the challenges, by the end of the first day, our team had scanned most of the exhibits, leaving only a few for the second day.

Capturing History:
Photogrammetry and Scanning Process

To execute the project at the History Museum of Petrich, we utilized advanced photogrammetry techniques to accurately capture the details of the exhibits. Most of the artifacts were scanned using a lightbox and an automated turntable, which allowed us to photograph the items from every angle using a Nikon D7500 DSLR camera.

This setup ensured that we missed no details and provided us with a comprehensive dataset for creating high-quality 3D models.

Once the photos were completed, we immediately tested the alignment within Reality Capture. This step was again crucial to confirm that all angles were covered and no gaps were present in the photogrammetry. Ensuring accuracy at this stage saved time and effort later in the process.

For the larger artifacts, we used the Artec Leo scanner. This high-resolution scanner was essential for capturing the intricate details of the bigger items, which couldn’t fit in our standard photogrammetry setup. The use of different scanning techniques allowed us to handle a variety of exhibit sizes and complexities efficiently.

By the end of the first day, we had successfully scanned most of the exhibits, and only a few were left for the second day. Our team worked diligently to ensure that all artifacts were scanned accurately and ready for the next stage of computation and digital processing.

Creating photorealistic 3D assets

Next, we moved on to the detailed work of computation and processing of the raw scan data and creating photorealistic 3D assets. This involved using various 3D modeling services and techniques to refine the digital models to make sure they were ready for educational and interactive displays. We used advanced software to align, clean, and optimize the scans to ensure every detail was accurately captured.

With the data collection phase complete, we were prepared to transition into the processing and creation phases and a step closer to our goal of bringing these historical artifacts to life in the digital world.

BRINGING ARTIFACTS TO LIFE

Approach and Methodology

The next steps involved cleaning up the geometry within Zbrush, which created a decimated and retopologized version of each mesh. This was essential for maintaining the integrity of the models while optimizing them for further use.

We used Substance Painter to bake the diffuse textures from the high poly mesh to the low poly geometry. This step was crucial for ensuring the PBR texturing was accurate and lifelike. With Substance Painter texturing, we created detailed and realistic PBR textures that brought the digital models to life. The meticulous work done here ensured that the textures were of the highest quality to enhance the overall visual appeal of the artifacts.

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Educational animations

Once the 3D digital doubles were completed, we moved on to creating the educational animations. These animations were designed to provide an in-depth look at the artifacts, showcasing them in ways that traditional displays could not.

Using Unreal Engine and Marmoset, we created slow, deliberate camera movements around the objects. This approach allowed us to present the exhibits in great detail, highlighting their historical and cultural significance.

Experts from the History Museum of Petrich provided the historical and educational content for these animations to ensure accuracy and authenticity. This collaboration was vital for creating animations that were both engaging and informative.

Additionally, some of the 3D exhibits were 3D printed and painted to make them accessible to visitors of the museum. These models can be touched, creating immersive experiences for everyone.

These 3D printed replicas are particularly popular among children and visually impaired visitors because they allow them to experience the artifacts in a way they couldn’t with the actual exhibits. This hands-on approach helped bridge the gap between traditional museum displays and interactive learning experiences.

THE JOURNEY'S END

Our Successful Collaboration

We completed the project for the History Museum of Petrich successfully and delivered high-quality digital replicas that visitors now enjoy and appreciate.

From photogrammetry and 3D scanning services to 3D modeling and texturing in Substance Painter, we leveraged our expertise to create stunning 3D digital twins of the artifacts.

These digital 3D models have significantly enhanced the museum’s exhibits and allowed visitors to interact with and learn from them in new and engaging ways.

The success of this project shows our dedication and proficiency in 3D scanning, 3D modeling, and digital heritage preservation.

Visitors to the museum have responded positively, as they find the interactive displays both educational and immersive. The ability to touch the 3D printed figures creates a unique experience and has increased the museum’s foot traffic significantly.

If you have a project that could benefit from our expertise, we would love to get in touch with you. At Tornado Studios, we specialize in creating interactive experiences for cultural heritage, museums, and tourist attractions.

Our services include educational videos, AR/VR experiences, 3D reconstructions, 3D archeological reconstruction, and 3D print exhibits.

Have a project in mind? Contact Tornado Studios today to learn how we can help you with cultural heritage restoration and more using cutting-edge 3D technology.

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We look forward to collaborating with you and creating more memorable experiences.