Discover Roman Scotland with our NEW immersive and interactive Trimontium Experience
The Trimontium Experience is where the Roman invasions of Scotland meet the 21st century. Have you ever wanted to explore a Roman fort in its heyday, or come face to face with 2,000 year-old objects found right here in the Scottish Borders? Through a combination of immersive technologies and our extensive collection of Roman and native Iron Age objects, now you can!
Be among the first cohort to take on The Trimontium Experience!
Trimontium Museum and the sprawling Roman fort of the same name sit within a landscape that was at the very heart of Roman Scotland. Our collection of Roman and native Iron Age objects tell the enigmatic and often tumultuous tale of Rome’s attempted invasions and the people who resisted them.
And yet, many parts of this tale remain uncertain or tantalisingly out of reach. The Trimontium Experience is designed to immerse visitors in Roman Scotland, bringing us as close as we can be without a time machine. Two core aspects define the Experience: a virtual reality tour of the digitally reconstructed Roman fort of Trimontium, and access to our museum exhibition.
Who is the Trimontium Experience for?
The Trimontium Experience is for anyone wanting to form a memorable and tangible connection to Scotland’s past: locals of the Scottish Borders, students, school groups, families, corporate excursions, experience seekers, historians and archaeologists, fans of immersive technologies, and Travel Trade and other tour groups.
For Travel Trade and large group enquiries please contact krystle@trimontium.co.uk
What can I expect from The Trimontium Experience?
The Trimontium Experience explores the story of the Roman Iron Age in Scotland, from both the viewpoint of the natives and invading armies. Led by a guide, you’ll be immersed in a virtual reality depiction of Trimontium Roman fort using Oculus headsets. Through this immersive audio-visual content and an interactive museum gallery, the story of the Roman invasions of Scotland is brought to life like never before.
The Trimontium Experience begins with an 8-minute film while you recline in a virtual amphitheatre. The film gives way to a fully immersive reconstruction of the Roman fort of Trimontium, narrated by a Roman centurion. Following the fort tour, you will watch a second short film before removing your headset. Your guide will then present archaeological finds form the fort while telling more of its story. You will then have as long as you like to explore the museum gallery.
How long does the experience last?
The whole experience, including the museum visit, takes 75-90 minutes. You are wearing a headset, whilst seated, for approximately 23 minutes in total.
What makes this an immersive experience?
While wearing the Oculus headset, you will be at the centre of a 360° virtual landscape. You will have 360° views of the fort’s main buildings and defences, with archaeological objects and line drawings of local characters appearing throughout. This is the fort as it would have appeared in the late 2nd century AD, recreated with meticulous historical research.
Will I experience motion sickness?
If you’re prone to motion sickness, some scenes – such as a drone flyover where you are viewing the landscape from the drone’s perspective. However, these sections are very short and you are seated throughout the experience.
If you are experiencing any discomfort, you can remove your headset and the guide will assist you. If for any reason you do not wish to wear the headset, there is a screen on which you can watch the headset visuals in 2D so you won’t miss anything.
What size are the VR headsets?
The headsets are designed to be universal and are adjustable. Your session leader will guide you on adjusting the size.
Can I wear glasses while wearing the headsets?
Yes, if you normally wear glasses or contact lenses we recommend that you keep them on. Headsets can be worn over glasses and are fully adjustable by turning the wheel at the back.
Is the experience accessible for people who wear hearing aids?
Yes, you can wear hearing aids with the headsets. Please let your session leader know if you need any assistance for a comfortable experience.
Is the experience accessible for people who use wheelchairs?
Yes, you can wear a headset whilst sitting in your wheelchair or mobility scooter instead of our chairs if you prefer.
Is the experience accessible for neurodiverse visitors?
This is a sensory experience – everyone is different and has their personal needs and preferences. Please get in touch with us if you have particular questions relating to the Trimontium Experience and we will do our best to advise you. Email info@trimontium.co.uk or call 01835 342788.
Groups for the Trimontium Experience are limited to 8 people, and each has their own seat with ample space around it. You are seated in comfortable chairs with head and arm rests for 45 minutes in total. Headsets are worn for around 25 minutes, but you can choose to watch the visuals on a 2D screen if you prefer.
Can I take bags into the experience?
Large bags and coats can be stored next to the Trimontium Experience. Please keep valuables with you as we cannot be held liable for lost or missing items. You will be able to take small bags into the experience.
Is the experience suitable for children?
We recommend this experience for children ages 8 and over. Remember, they’re not called Ruthless Romans for nothing! There are a few references to bloodshed, warfare, and cruelty. The headsets are designed for older children. However, all ages are welcome in our museum and we have great crafts and activities for our younger visitors.
Is the experience available in languages other than English?
The experience is only available in English at the moment. We have translations for the gallery text in French, German, Italian, Spanish and Braille.
Can I bring dogs into The Trimontium Experience?
Due to space limitations, dogs are not permitted in the Trimontium Experience space. However, visitors are welcome to bring dogs into to the museum gallery.
Does the experience admit latecomers?
Unfortunately, due to the immersive nature of the experience latecomers will not be admitted. When possible, we will try to accommodate you on a later experience.
This project is partially funded by the National Heritage Lottery Fund and by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
