Rome Future Week – The power of Web AR

Augmented Reality Experiences – Stadium of Domitian

Special Project for ROME Future Week

On the occasion of ROME Future Week 2023, we created an ecosystem of immersive Augmented Reality (AR) experiences at the Stadium of Domitian Museum, designed to make historical exploration more engaging, educational, and memorable.

The experiences were accessible directly from visitors’ smartphones — without the need to download any app — thanks to WebAR technology and QR Codes placed at key points throughout the museum.

AR Experiences Available

The Talking Faces of the Emperors

Next to the busts of Roman emperors, visitors could scan a QR Code and watch the sculpture’s face come to life on their screens, animated in real time with realistic facial expressions. Each emperor spoke an iconic phrase, historical anecdote, or famous quote, turning the interaction into a more human, empathetic, and memorable encounter.

The Terrain Layers

Another experience allowed users to visualize the archaeological stratification of the site in 3D — a dynamic model showing the different ground layers through the ages. Users could observe how the structures were built on top of each other over time, revealing the millennia-long process of construction and transformation in the Campus Martius area.

The Virtual Reconstruction of the Stadium of Domitian

Through a dedicated QR code, visitors could activate a full 3D AR reconstruction of the Stadium of Domitian. The experience showcased the monument in its original form — with stands, arena, and main architectural features. The model floated in the surrounding space, allowing users to view it from every angle directly on their smartphones.

The Expansion of the Roman Empire Over Time

One of the most striking experiences was the 3D animation illustrating the expansion of the Roman Empire — from the early Republic to its greatest territorial extent. The different historical phases were visualized through transparent, overlapping layers animated in chronological order, showing the progressive growth of imperial borders. The entire experience could be enjoyed in AR directly from the user’s device.