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Experience liiterary classics in a new way

Not only are libraries changing; literature is also no longer confined to the space between the covers. Kafka’s story “The Metamorphosis” can be experienced in 3D in a VR installation.

Not only are libraries changing; literature is also no longer confined to the space between the covers. Kafka’s story “The Metamorphosis” can be experienced in 3D in a VR installation.

Photo: Goethe-Institut Prag

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What must it feel like to look in the mirror of a morning and see a dung beetle staring back instead of the usual sleepy, familiar face? This is what happened to Franz Kafka’s protagonist Gregor Samsa in the 1912 short story “The Metamorphosis”.

What must it feel like to look in the mirror of a morning and see a dung beetle staring back instead of the usual sleepy, familiar face? This is what happened to Franz Kafka’s protagonist Gregor Samsa in the 1912 short story “The Metamorphosis”.

Photo: Goethe-Institut

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The Goethe-Institut Czech Republic brought beetle Samsa to life in 2018 – though the magic of virtual reality (VR). Experts built a virtual miniature version of his room bit by bit in exhaustive detail complete with a bed, desk and mirror.

The Goethe-Institut Czech Republic brought beetle Samsa to life in 2018 – though the magic of virtual reality (VR). Experts built a virtual miniature version of his room bit by bit in exhaustive detail complete with a bed, desk and mirror.

Photo: Goethe-Institut

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“The Cabinet of Dr Caligari” is one of the most important films in cinematic history in the German expressionist style. “Cesare’s Dream” allowed visitors to wander through the epic film from 1919.  | Foto: Adam Burakowski

“The Cabinet of Dr Caligari” is one of the most important films in cinematic history in the German expressionist style. “Cesare’s Dream” allowed visitors to wander through the epic film from 1919. | Foto: Adam Burakowski

Photo: Adam Burakowski / Goethe-Institut

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The multimedia installation consisted of the first volumetric film created in Poland that allowed viewers to immerse themselves in the three-dimensional space of the film. VR goggles allow visitors to wander through Dr Caligari’s cabinet.

The multimedia installation consisted of the first volumetric film created in Poland that allowed viewers to immerse themselves in the three-dimensional space of the film. VR goggles allow visitors to wander through Dr Caligari’s cabinet.

Photo: Adam Burakowski / Goethe-Institut

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The premiere of the “Cabinet” container installation took place in Warsaw’s Nowy Teatr in June 2019. Paintings, posters, multi-media installations, and the restored original film from 1919 were presented in three containers.

The premiere of the “Cabinet” container installation took place in Warsaw’s Nowy Teatr in June 2019. Paintings, posters, multi-media installations, and the restored original film from 1919 were presented in three containers.

Photo: Adam Burakowski / Goethe-Institut

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