Airport as Exhibit: Exploring the Napoleonic War

In 2018, anticipating a huge influx of tourists in preparation for the FIFA World Cup, Airports of Regions commissioned Lorem Ipsum to design a permanent exhibition that would welcome international guests at the brand new Rostov-on-Don airport. Delving into the history of the region, the birthplace of the Don Cossacks, we created a diverse experience highlighting the role of the Cossacks in the 1812 invasion of Russia by Napoleon.

The task was to seamlessly integrate the exhibition into the modern aesthetics of the airport terminals, without disrupting the traffic flow during a major international sports event. Blending various exhibit media, from a 360-degree panoramic film to AR/VR programs and inventive artistic installations, our team conveyed the spirit of the Cossacks through five interactive and experimental installations.

The centerpiece of the exhibit is a giant circular LED screen, 75 feet in circumference, with a film created by the Lorem Ipsum team that immerses viewers in the past of the Don Cossacks and the sensations they experienced while galloping across the Don steppe on horseback.

The seven-meter painting, inspired by 19th-century battle canvases, animates when viewed through immersive electronic viewfinders, giving spectators the illusion of being in the heart of the battle.

The interactive installation, exploring the costumes of the Cossacks, illustrates their transformation over time and allows visitors to try on virtual Cossack uniforms from different eras using their own photographs.

The typographic portraits of Russian commanders who led the war against Napoleon on the windows of the airport are more than just images of historical figures. Each portrait in this installation is composed of words and phrases that weave together interesting chapters of the history of the 1812 invasion.

While ascending the escalator in the passenger terminal, visitors embark on an aerial journey over the Don River on a ten-meter-long LED screen. The meditative video takes the viewers all the way from the river’s source to its mouth at the Sea of Azov. The Don River has played a crucial role in the region’s development and served as a source of inspiration for the design and overall aesthetics of Rostov Airport.

The exhibition at Rostov-on-Don airport has been enjoyed by over three million visitors in its first year, including the large number of tourists who traveled through the airport for the FIFA World Cup. Since then, the exhibit has remained a lasting feature, continuing to educate and engage international travelers with the rich history of the Don Cossacks.