At the ephemeral Grand Palais, an augmented reality exhibition that fits in your pocket

If you're going to the pop-up Grand Palais (Paris, 7th arrondissement) this weekend, make sure you don't forget your smartphone or tablet.

Otherwise, you risk finding yourself a little lost in the middle of a very vast, almost empty and bare space of more than 10,000 m2... This is the whole paradox of the "Palais augmented" festival which takes place until this Sunday in the places : there is nothing to see around you because almost everything fits in your pocket.

To try the experience of this festival dedicated to art and augmented reality, you will first need to download an application.

Then, once inside, go to one of the six totems placed on the edge of a circle 150 m in diameter and scan the image painted on it.

According to your choice, you will see appearing, on your device but in the space of the nave, universes invented by artists.

“Can dogs save the world?

», by the duo Gourau Phong, transports you to a park, close to the colorful aesthetic of children's toys, where a dozen dogs, small, large and even flying, frolic.

Balls allow you to play with them.

In the world of the Gourau Phong duo “Can dogs save the world?”, a dozen dogs, small, large and even flying, frolic and you can play with them.

National Museums - Grand Palace and Fisheye

Another world: "Soundscape", by Mouawad and Laurier, moves mountains, ravines, valleys, made up of a myriad of lights, according to the words of visitors and the music.

So many unusual experiences, with the Eiffel Tower in the background… Everyone navigates here as they please.

And if you are lost, about thirty mediators can come to your rescue.

"Soundscape", by Mouawad and Laurier.

Zerotera

“We organized a first edition last year, almost for the inauguration of the ephemeral Grand Palais.

This type of exhibition, these forms of expression are quite new and we were a bit expectant before the opening, remembers Benoit Baume, founder of Fisheye magazine, organizer of the festival with the Grand Palais.

We finally welcomed 10,000 people in two days, which is a great success.

The most satisfying thing is that there were families there, young people but also older people, very trendy virtual reality visitors and others who were discovering.

In addition, people talked to each other, sometimes helped each other, called out to each other.

There was really a nice energy.

Eight "Labs" installed on the periphery with headsets provided

In addition to the six works presented, eight "Labs" are installed on the outskirts, to show other facets of virtual reality, this time with headsets provided, such as the VR film "Eternal Notre-Dame" or "The Dance of the Particles presented by the Cité des sciences.

“The ambition is to show innovations in terms of immersion and in particular in art.

Throughout history, artists have always embraced innovations, painting, photography, video, etc., recalls Benoit Baume.

With all those we contacted, there is a real, deep approach behind the playful aspect.

And they are happy that their creations suddenly become much more accessible to the general public, since finally, a telephone is enough.

»

“Augmented Palace” Festival,