Cleopatra: The Immersive Exhibition is scheduled to open in a week, on Friday, Nov. 20, at EXP Rosemont in the Pearl District. The North American premiere is set for 9900 Berwyn Avenue, as a timed visit through the political life of Cleopatra VII.
The Village of Rosemont says the exhibition follows her rise to power, her role as a political strategist, and her relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. Its announcement listed timed-entry tickets starting at $35.95, with an on-sale time of Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 11 a.m.
Six Environments and a Moving Seat
EXP Rosemont describes six immersive environments and an approximate duration of 80 to 90 minutes, and says guests are welcome to stay and browse for as long as they like. The free-roaming portion, as the village describes it, runs through the catacombs of Alexandria, the Siwa Oasis, Cleopatra's private chambers and a Roman military camp.
The venue lists 360-degree projections, interactive metaverse environments and glasses-free 3D holograms. Chicago Parent reports that the projections rise more than 21 feet, and that an interactive map sits beside a five-meter-tall model of the Lighthouse of Alexandria, about 16 feet.
The visit also includes a seated, full-motion virtual-reality story. The village says it explores Cleopatra's tomb and submerged ruins. Chicago Parent reports that the ride depicts the earthquake that destroyed Alexandria and an underwater search for the tomb. Audio and written content are available in English only, the venue says.
EXP Rosemont says the exhibition includes more than 22 original artifacts from the Hellenistic and late Egyptian periods. Chicago Parent reports that the objects include terracotta sculptures, bronze figures, makeup containers and unpublished papyri.
What Madrid and London Already Drew
The village announcement says earlier engagements in Madrid and London welcomed a combined 350,000 visitors. That total covers those cities. On March 26, Africanews reported that the exhibition had already drawn more than 200,000 visitors since its Madrid launch, before the London run.
Matadero Madrid describes the Madrid edition, produced by Madrid Artes Digitales, as covering more than 2,000 square meters, or over 21,500 square feet, with 360-degree projections, an interactive metaverse and a hologram. London's reported layout was a different size. Africanews described 3,000 square meters, or about 32,300 square feet, across nine interactive galleries at Immerse LDN on the Excel London Waterfront, with an opening reported for March 26.
That London presentation also included more than 22 original artefacts from the Hellenistic and Late Egyptian periods, through projection rooms, hologram presentations and interactive installations. Rosemont is billed with six environments, not London's nine galleries.
Chicago Parent credits the exhibition to Madrid Artes Digitales and European promoter FKP Scorpio Entertainment, and identifies Infinity Experiences as the presenter. Eric Albert, the company's chief executive, has described Cleopatra as one of the most fascinating figures in history. The same report says the venue's previous attraction was Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue.
Tickets, School Rates and a Final Sale
The $35.95 price is the starting figure for timed entry. The village says specially priced packages are available for families, students and seniors, and that a VIP package is also available. Chicago Parent reports the VIP package includes an exclusive take-home gift and 10 percent off at EXP's retail boutique.
EXP.L.O.R.E. is EXP Rosemont's nonprofit arm. Children 3 and under enter free, the same report says. EXP Rosemont says children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times, and that VR portions are reserved for ages 8 and older.
EXP Rosemont's FAQ says tickets are final sale, with no refunds and no order cancellations. A ticket can be rescheduled at no extra cost up to 24 hours before attendance. It can also be transferred individually through a Universe account, and a transfer cannot be undone.
Hours, Access and the VR Warnings
EXP Rosemont's hours may fluctuate. Food and drinks are not permitted during the experience, and nearby dining is available.
Parking on site is free, and the hall sits near the Rosemont stop on the CTA Blue Line. Lockers are available in limited quantities for storage, the venue FAQ says. Chicago Parent reports they are for bags and coats.
The venue and exhibition are wheelchair accessible, EXP Rosemont says, but the VR expedition requires the exclusive use of a manual wheelchair. Chicago Parent reports that guests who need assistance can receive a free companion ticket.
The VR experience may cause dizziness and is generally not recommended for pregnant guests.
Opening day remains Friday, Nov. 20. The 350,000 visitors cited by the village belong to Madrid and London. Rosemont's premiere has not produced a count of its own.
