NYU Juneteenth Immersive Exhibition
Bringing history to light through projection-mapped storytelling
The Challenge
NYU wanted to make a bold, unforgettable statement for Juneteenth, recently recognized as a federal holiday. They envisioned more than a typical slideshow or display — they needed an immersive experience that would educate, honor, and visually captivate everyone who walked through their doors.
Our Approach
Halucinated Studios was brought in to handle the creative direction, visual storytelling, and technical execution.
Design and install a pop-up exhibition that combined:
Content curation
(educational and historical material)
Original animation & visuals
Seamless projection mapping
across multiple surfaces
All within a tight installation window and a non-traditional venue setup
inside NYU’s Kimmel Center.
What We Did
Venue Scouting & Environmental Prep
-
Identified projector positions and assessed blackout needs
-
Used pipe & drape to block ambient light and create a clean projection surface
-
Covered existing artwork with white static cling to enable mapping
Custom Animated Portraits
Illustrated and animated 5 portraits of formerly enslaved individuals freed in 1865
Developed seamless transitions to breathe life into historical visuals
Content Curation & Education Design
-
Curated educational video content displayed on the right wall
-
Designed the flow of the space to move visitors from recognition to reflection
4-Projector Setup & Floor-to-Ceiling Mapping
-
Mapped portraits, sidewalls, and background textures to immerse attendees
-
Combined live-action, animated, and abstract content into one cohesive visual language
The Result
-
The NYU Juneteenth Exhibition became a visceral, walk-through history lesson — one that staff and community members could physically and emotionally experience.
-
When the elevator doors opened, attendees were transported into “The Shed,” where history was told not just on screens but across the walls themselves. From animated portraits to educational videos and ambient environments, it was a celebration of freedom, resilience, and storytelling through light.
Projection Mapping
Content Creation & Animation
Visual Installation
Educational Experience Design
Services Used
Client Love
Sunita Devi
Director, Kimmel Center for University Life, NYU
I just want to give Lucin and his team his flowers for making this very outside-of-the-box idea come to life. It’s always a pleasure to work with people who are passionate about what they do.
