Architectural symbol of the Belle Époque, the Jetée Casino, destroyed during World War II, is reborn in digital form at the Heritage Center. An unprecedented immersive experience, the result of collaboration between the city of Nice and HoloForge Interactive studio, which combines technological innovation with heritage enhancement.
It is known from yellowed postcards, its silhouette proudly stood at the end of the promenade. The Jetée Casino, a jewel of the Nice coastline, was dismantled in 1944 at the request of the German occupier. But for a few months now, it is possible to rediscover it… in augmented reality.
At the Heritage Center, a white 3D model serves as the basis for a holographic projection accessible via an immersive headset. Visitors witness a striking reconstruction of the casino, from its architecture to its festive atmosphere. “The public says it’s magical,” smiles Adèle Faustinien, cultural development manager for the city of Nice.
A project at the crossroads of culture, innovation, and attractiveness
This project, initiated more than four years ago, is part of a broader strategy. “Nice has been developing a sector around the Cultural and Creative Industries for several years,” explains Adèle Faustinien. “Our role in culture is to initiate projects where technology serves heritage and the public.”
Winner of a call for projects from the Métropole, HoloForge Interactive studio (a subsidiary of Asobo Studio) was selected for its expertise in immersive experiences. Already working on projects for UNESCO or Mont-Saint-Michel, the studio was captivated by the casino’s history, “a strong symbol of leisure in Nice, today listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site,” says Cécile Verdoni, head of the City of Art and History.
From the Masséna museum to the heritage center: the model travels
The experience was initially launched at the Masséna museum, as part of a temporary exhibition. A dual approach was conceived there: archaeological artifacts retrieved from the sea, photographic archives, and then immersion in the Casino through the holographic projection.
“The device is mobile,” notes Adèle Faustinien. “It’s a real strength: it can be adapted to other places and other uses.” Now installed at the Heritage Center – Le Sénat, the model attracts visitors, curious individuals, and enthusiasts of Nice’s history. It integrates into the guided tour circuit related to the UNESCO listing.
A showcase for the city, a springboard for technology
While this reconstruction captivates visitors, it also attracts professionals in the sector. The project was presented at the Museum Connections in Paris exhibition and at Experience Vision as part of the Artificial Intelligence Week.
“We are a showcase for these companies. As an institution, we provide scientific content, the public, and visibility,” emphasizes Mrs. Faustinien. The key word: ecosystem. “This project succeeded because all stakeholders worked together: economic development, companies, museums, culture.”
Towards other immersive projects?
Nice is now focusing on the development of new digital mediations. 3D projects are already underway at the Cimiez Archaeology Museum, and others are planned for neighborhoods on the UNESCO tour circuits.
“Visitors expect experience,” concludes Mrs. Faustinien. “And augmented reality also allows us to go further: into schools, prisons, hospitals… Digital can give access to culture to those who are far from it.“
