Stark lighting flashes over a diorama of mud-covered soldiers, traversing the wrecked battlescape across the floor of Kemper Horizon Theater, while black-and-white archival footage plays across the multi-story screen. Designed by Ralph Applebaum Associates as part of the original 2006 Main Gallery, the narrative draws viewers into early 1917 when a series of dramatic events pulled the United States into the Great War.
Starting in January 2025, the special effects lighting and projector systems in Kemper Horizon Theater will be undergoing important and exciting upgrades. Halogen bulbs will be exchanged for LEDs, increasing efficiency and cost savings. Updated video projectors with motion capabilities will replace older models, sharpening and refreshing the original presentation.
These changes, along with corresponding electrical work, will be complete on Feb. 18.
Available Light (based out of New York) designed the new lighting system. Additional partners on this project include XS Lighting and ProElectric. Electrosonic, which also worked on other areas in the Main Gallery’s recent upgrades, is integral to the project.
Previous renovation phases:
Lower Level – Open Storage and Bergman Family Gallery
Main Gallery – Prologue, Interactive Tables, America Mobilizes, Animals of WWI
Main Gallery – Epilogue, Into the Trenches
Main Gallery – Tank, Battlescape, Casualties
Main Gallery – Encounters