Honoring veterans with moving projection tribute at the National WWI Museum and Memorial in Missouri

DWP Live lent its expertise to the National WWI Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, Missouri for a touching veterans tribute during the 2023 NFL Draft. DWP Live utilized thirty Barco projectors to illuminate the historic institution for five consecutive nights. The centerpiece of this remarkable installation was an evocative artwork projection titled "Horizons", designed to honor veterans and their sacrifices in a poignant and visually captivating manner.

Context

The National WWI Museum and Memorial stands as a testament to the historical significance of World War I, serving as a place of remembrance, education, and reflection. In 2018, DWP Livepartnered with the institution to mark the 100-year anniversary of the Armistice of 1918, with an innovative projection project, also powered by Barco projectors.

This initial collaboration demonstrated the unique potential of the iconic Liberty Memorial Tower as a medium to convey important messages, and solidified DWP Live and its Barco fleet as a premier event tech partner.

Challenge

The artwork was thoughtfully crafted by Kathy Pittala, a graphic designer at the National WWI Museum and Memorial. Her design featured a powerful juxtaposition: the lower half of the artwork depicted a field of poppies, symbolizing the sacrifice of those who had given their lives on the battlefield, while the upper half displayed poppies floating over a serene blue and purple horizon, representing the transition towards a hopeful future.

The task at hand was to create a tribute that would not only be visually stunning but also emotionally resonant. This involved the seamless integration of the various technology elements and an uninterrupted experience for the audience.

Solution

DWP Live tackled these challenges with a combination of cutting-edge projection mapping technology and artistic ingenuity. The team utilized a mix of thirty Barco UDX4K-32 and HDX-W20 projectors to bring "Horizons" to life. The integration of technology and artistry resulted in a poignant and visually stunning tribute.

The image quality and reliability of Barco projectors made them an easy choice for DWP Live in the execution of this project. The magnitude and environment of this particular projection required projectors that could produce top-notch images and withstand long hours outdoors. Barco’s projectors provided the capabilities necessary to meet these needs and allowed DWP Live to produce an unforgettable experience.

Results

"Since the Armistice Day projection in 2018, it has been a dream of ours to harness this technology and light the Memorial again in a special way for visitors near and far," says Chris Wyche, vice president of facilities, operations management and technology at the National WWI Museum and Memorial. "The DWP Live team was essential in bringing the artwork to life, and we hope to continue creating unique ways to honor our country's heroes in the future."

The collaboration between DWP Live and the National WWI Museum and Memorial serves as a testament to the power of technology and artistry in paying homage to the sacrifices of veterans and in preserving the memory of historical events. The Barco projectors brought the tribute to life in a profound and unforgettable manner, leaving a lasting impact on all who experienced this touching tribute.