MEET OUR THEA AWARD RECIPIENT FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT: HISTORICAL EXPERIENCE LIMITED BUDGET
QUAKE - Lisbon Earthquake Center Lisbon, PORTUGAL Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement: Historical Experience Limited Budget Overview
Many people do not realize that one of the most destructive earthquakes in the West occurred 265 years ago in the city of Lisbon on November 1, 1755. The quake destroyed most of the city’s buildings, streets, and squares. The earthquake was followed by a tsunami and raging fires, which changed the face of Lisbon forever. The 18,000 square foot Quake historical experience recreates this event and much more. It features a 90-min walk-through experience divided into 9 timed and show-controlled scenes. Quake challenges visitors to unlock the knowledge about the 1755 earthquake. Guests literally step back 265 years in time to re-live the event. Starting in an abandoned laboratory, they are introduced to a professor. They then travel back in time, to find important missing documents and bring them back. Attendees walk through the streets of the lost city, re-visit the horrors and wonders, and watch the drama unfold around them. They get the opportunity to meet the heroes and villains from that time and experience being at the heart of the earthquake itself, eventually leading to a major political, scientific, and historical transformation.
What sets this attraction apart? The entire Quake journey is brought to life through state-of-the-art projection mapping, integrated media screens, interactive exhibits, special effects (smoke, scents), immersive show lighting, highly themed environments, simulator effects and a beautifully composed soundtrack, all on a limited budget. To make the project educationally relevant, and enhance the quality of the experience, Quake consulted with local academic experts to ensure complete historical and scientific accuracy. While the story revolves around the actual events, it takes visitors by the hand and fully engages them on an emotional level. Finally, Quake strikes an excellent balance between education and entertainment, active and passive participation, and ride, show, and exhibit scenes. It achieves this balance while seamlessly weaving historical, scientific, and cultural facts into an outstanding, story-driven, and unique visitor experience. How long did the project take to complete?
