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Breathing Life into Meketre's Tomb Models in VR: A Spatial Storytelling Immersive Experience

This project aims to breathe new life into Meketre's Tomb Models by digitally reuniting the dispersed artifacts currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum in New York and the Cairo Museum in Egypt. This initiative addresses the challenge of physical distance and cultural heritage decolonization by creating immersive, life-size virtual environments. These reconstructions will leverage 3D technology to transform the models into interactive educational tools, fostering a profound connection with ancient Egyptian history and providing insights into daily life during the Middle Kingdom. Meketre's models are invaluable messengers, revealing secrets of daily life in ancient Egypt and offering insights into culinary, architectural, agricultural, and artistic aspects. Through this digital repatriation, the project empowers communities and promotes a more inclusive understanding of cultural heritage, bridging geographical and temporal divides.

Midterm report

Phase 1: Research and Data Collection 

This phase runs concurrently with all other steps in the project. It involves gathering historical  and contextual data related to Meketre’s tomb, which dates back to the Middle Kingdom of  Egypt. Research archives are being developed, focusing on each model’s context. For instance,  work on the garden model has included investigations into the flora, fauna, and architectural  styles of the period, creating a comprehensive resource base for the project. 

Phase 2: From Manual Drawings to 3D-Printed Replicas 

This phase involved creating 3D models of Meketre’s Garden and Granary Models based on  manual drawings from Herbert Winlock’s publications by the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The  process included: 

  • Developing CAD drawings. 
  • Creating 3D models. 
  • 3D printing scaled replicas to ensure historical accuracy.
3D Modeling and 3D-Printed Replicas of Meketre Garden Model
3D Modeling and 3D-Printed Replicas of Meketre Garden Model

Phase 3: 3D Reconstruction of the Garden 

A detailed reconstruction of an ancient Egyptian garden was created using specialized 3D modeling software. Textures, materials, lighting effects, and vegetation were integrated into the  model using Twinmotion, enhancing its visual and contextual realism.

3D Reconstruction of the Garden Model – Before (right) and After (left)adding Materials & textures
3D Reconstruction of the Garden Model – Before (right) and After (left) adding Materials & textures

Phase 4: Enhancing the VR Experience in Unreal Engine 5 

The VR model transitioned seamlessly from Twinmotion to Unreal Engine 5. A virtual  walkthrough with an interactive user interface allows users to explore the garden scene, interact  with elements like the fish in the pond, and immersively experience the environment.  Additional interaction scenarios are being incorporated to further enhance user engagement.

Testing of the VR Application and Walkthrough of the Garden Model
Testing of the VR Application and Walkthrough of the Garden Model

Phase 5: Projection Mapping and Cube Immersive Environment Testing 

Lab testing for projection mapping and interaction with motion sensors has been conducted  using advanced 3D motion-capture camera systems. Discussions with the ICAT team about  exhibition design and installation at the CUBE in the Moss Arts Center have addressed technical  details and potential testing dates.

Exhibition Installation Design at ICAT Cube
Exhibition Installation Design at ICAT Cube
Exhibition Installation Design at ICAT Cube
Exhibition Installation Design at ICAT Cube

Project Outputs

  • Exhibition: 
    • Title: Breathing Life into Meketre Tomb Models: A Virtual-Real Egyptian Garden  Experience 
  • Date: November 2, 2024 
  • Venue: Moss Arts Center, Virginia Tech University 
  • Event: Virginia Tech Science Festival 
  • Featured Article: 
    • Article: Virginia Tech Science Festival draws thousands to Blacksburg campus

Future Plans and Prospective Conference Participations 

  • Upcoming Exhibition: 
    • Date: April 2025 
    • Venue: ICAT Cube, Moss Arts Center, Virginia Tech 
  • Conference Presentations: 
    • Annual Conference of the American Research Center in Egypt, San Francisco, April  2025 
    • Siggraph, August 2025 
    • Digital Heritage Congress, Siena, September 2025

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