A major tourism project in Trieste has been hotly debated for almost two decades. Now the “Marine Museum 5.0” has been presented, which will be built in Porto Lido in the coming years. The “Nautaverse”, which will be built in the coming years, aims to make the sea tangible in a multidimensional way.
“The base is a 1000 square meter virtual aquarium, where fish species from the Adriatic and Mediterranean will be seen. They are tactile and olfactory impressions – so you will have the feeling of being close to sea creatures and being able to smell them too”, explained Antonio Paoletti in the presentation of the project, who, together with his planning team, originally had completely different ideas. But one aquarium with real animals is no longer appropriate today. Due to protests from conservationists and the public, the virtual option was chosen.
“Nautaverse” offers visitors a virtual marine environment through 360-degree projections and 3D holograms. In the “Time Machine”, visitors are introduced to the development of the sea from the dinosaurs, through the development of the animal and plant world to the present day. In the “Virtual Aquarium” you can dive into different marine zones around the world using LED screens. In a submarine simulator you navigate among rare species of digitized sea creatures. An auditorium and a laboratory will also be built. School classes must have plenty of space to use the teaching offers.
5D special effects
A simulator with 5D special effects including water and light allows you to explore the sea to the depths, while multimedia projections and tactile exhibitions await those interested in the two-story “Immersive Room”. In total, the Digital Experience Center will have 4,700 square meters. Furthermore, they intend to work with existing research institutions locally and establish contacts with scientists from around the world.
The area where the virtual maritime museum is being built has a total of 17,300 square meters and is located around the “La Lanterna” lighthouse. Currently there are halls in ruins, some of which are at risk of collapsing. Some of the buildings have already been demolished. With the construction of “Nautaverso” and the remodeling of “Porto Lido”, landscaper Andreas Kipar also wants to visually improve this neighborhood.
Marina and local leisure area
A local leisure area will be created around the area using green spaces in the city center. A marina with adequate infrastructure will allow you to reach “Porto Lido” by boat from the sea. The Regional President, Massimiliano Fedriga, is positive about the project: “The new marine park enhances an important part of the city.” In total, around 32 million euros will be invested in the project, with “Nautaverso” expected to open at the beginning. 2027.