Natural History Museum, Atlantic Productions and Samsung collaborate for a world-first virtual reality storytelling experience 

Virtual reality will showcase some of the Earth’s earliest inhabitants at the Natural History Museum in London from the 19 June. David Attenborough’s First Life is a new fully immersive experience bringing natural history to life with cinematic virtual reality technology by Samsung.

Created in partnership with Atlantic Productions and its virtual reality studio Alchemy VR, David Attenborough’s First Life reveals the dawn of life on Earth from 540 million years ago.

Based on the latest Museum research, long-extinct animals such as the whimsically-built Opabinia, the fearsome-looking Anomalocaris and the spiny, worm-like Hallucigenia will be brought vividly alive in a fully immersive encounter.

Image ⓒ Atlantic_Alchemy VR

During the 15-minute experience, visitors dive through ancient seas with narration by Sir David Attenborough. The experience uses Samsung’s latest wearable technology, the Gear VR Innovator Edition virtual reality headsets powered by the Galaxy S6 smartphone.

Image ⓒ Atlantic_Alchemy VR

Sir Michael Dixon, Director of the Natural History Museum, says: “We’re always looking for new ways to challenge the way people think about the natural world – its past, present and future. We know virtual reality technology can transport us to impossible places. This is a compelling example of how technology can revolutionise how we experience museums.”

Anthony Geffen, CEO of Atlantic Productions, said: “David Attenborough’s First Life VR experience is a landmark moment for virtual reality storytelling, where the world’s most celebrated naturalist is able to guide audiences through an ancient ocean. We are delighted to be pioneering this technology in partnership with Samsung and the Natural History Museum.”

Andy Griffiths, President of Samsung Electronics UK & Ireland, said:”This exciting new experience is a great example of how the Natural History Museum is at the forefront of innovation and we are proud to support this with our latest product innovations, the Samsung Galaxy S6 and the Gear VR.  At Samsung we believe technology is essential in enhancing digital learning, which is why we’re delighted to be working with the Natural History Museum on this project, helping people to discover the natural world like never before.”

For more information at www.nhm.ac.uk/first-life.