Surgut Museum to Open Immersive Virtual Reality Exhibit

A new interactive project in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area will take visitors deep into the taiga. Through VR, sound, scents, and tactile effects, guests will experience the wild nature of Yugra as if they were there.

The historical and cultural center “Old Surgut” is launching a large-scale interactive exhibition called “Discovering the Taiga.” Designed as a digital portal into Russia’s northern wilderness, the project gives visitors more than just artifacts. Guests will immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the taiga with multichannel sound, natural aromas, and tactile interaction.

Visitors will be able to take a virtual journey through the Yugansky nature reserve, explore its flora and fauna, and even dive digitally to the bottom of local rivers.

To bring the project to life, the museum has invested in advanced audiovisual equipment and interactive panels. The initiative was developed together with local residents under a participatory budgeting program.

“Old Surgut” is a popular gathering place in the city center, known for showcasing local history and architecture and hosting workshops and cultural events. Now, with the addition of immersive technologies, the museum will give visitors a new way to connect with their homeland.