How to Fall in Love with Physics Forever
A virtual copy of the 'Atom' museum has opened in Moscow’s VDNH metaverse, offering an interactive journey through the laws of nature, nuclear industry achievements, and the applications of atomic technologies across multiple fields.
Interactive Physics for All Ages
Specialists have digitized more than 30 exhibits with meticulous attention to detail and textures. The 'Atomarium' includes 19 interactive objects designed to explain the laws of the universe. Why does Earth rotate? How do giant waves form? How can solar energy be harnessed for humanity? Visitors find the answers inside the virtual tour.
Gamified mechanics help illustrate complex phenomena in simple ways. These interactive displays are not just for kids—adults too can explore advanced concepts. The 'Spectrum' exhibit shows how rainbows connect to the chemical composition of the materials they reflect. Spectral analysis is now widely used in science to determine the composition of substances and even to study distant stars and galaxies.
The 'Frequency Resonance' installation helps explain how sound is created. Experiments with different tones demonstrate how invisible oscillations transform into visible patterns under the laws of physics.
Peaceful Atom, Real-World Benefits
Russia built the world’s first nuclear power plant, launched the first nuclear icebreaker, and achieved breakthroughs in atomic technology. Today, nuclear energy underpins modern life, powering electricity grids, water desalination, medicine, and even quantum computing.
At the heart of the 'Modern Atomic Industry' hall stands the VVER-1200 nuclear reactor—a massive system of thousands of parts working as one organism to generate energy for human needs.
Medicine is one of the most important areas where atomic technologies are applied. Nuclear science helps fight cancer and cardiovascular diseases through radiopharmaceuticals that target diseased organs with pinpoint accuracy. Every year, peaceful nuclear technology saves millions of lives worldwide.
Avatars and Virtual Access
To visit the 'Atom' museum, users log in via Mos ID (the Moscow digital portal) and select a time slot. Tours last 30 minutes and can be taken individually or in groups.
A unique feature: before entering, visitors can create their own avatars, customizing clothing, hairstyles, and even facial features—transforming into their ideal digital character.
'Launching the virtual replica of two museum halls is a new way to preserve history and promote tourism and cultural projects. The metaverse format makes the exhibition accessible to residents of other regions,' said Anastasia Sharova, Head of Exhibition Activities at Moscow’s Department of Information Technologies.
Expanding the VDNH Metaverse
The Atom museum project extends VDNH’s experiments with virtual exhibitions. A 3D copy of VDNH already allows anyone to explore one of Russia’s largest exhibition complexes from home. Now, the metaverse has made cultural experiences accessible to people across the country.
The 'Atom' initiative reflects the broader trend of digitizing culture. Such projects increase access to scientific knowledge, stimulate the VR/AR industry in Russia, and could soon expand to other cities. Internationally, Russia’s model may attract attention as a modern approach to cultural engagement in the digital age.
The 'Atomarium' virtual exhibits also have strong educational potential. Interactive experiences encourage children to explore science, making abstract concepts easier to understand and more engaging.
