Facility Description
The only multidisciplinary museum of its kind in the nation, the Peoria Riverfront Museum uses art, science, history and achievement to inspire confidence, lifelong learning, and talent. The museum manages a permanent collection of 15,000 objects and organizes more than 20 self-curated and visiting exhibitions annually in five major galleries and twenty-five total display spaces. Special programs include a 40-ft dome planetarium, 194-seat giant screen movie theater, The museum has more than 200 community and national program and content partners, including affiliation with the Smithsonian.
Objectives
Pearl Technology was tasked with designing and maintaining audiovisual solutions for many areas of the facility. These areas include the Giant Screen Theater, Exhibit Spaces, Event Spaces, Classrooms, Boardroom, Digital Signage, and more. Each space has brought its own unique demands and challenges that required the team a Pearl Technology to go above and beyond in order to meet the needs of the Riverfront Museum.
Spaces & Challenges
Giant Screen Theater (GST)
At over 54 feet tall and 72 feet wide, the cinema screen in the GST is the largest in Illinois. The 250 seat theater allows for a variety of content including educational films filmed in the more traditional 4:3 aspect ratio as well as blockbuster first run Hollywood movies. The projection system offers the capability to show these features in 2D and 3D for both 4:3 and widescreen formats. The recently upgraded projection system features two 42,000 lumen 3-Chip DLP laser projection. The projectors will alternate use when used with external content or 2D movies, separately as the left eye and right eye projectors in 3D, or together and edge blended as the top and bottom of the screen for both 4:3 2D and 3D content. The 3D filter system moves into place with automation based on the control system automation and content metadata. As this is a multidisciplinary museum, larger events happen in this space for alternative content such as powerpoint presentations, gaming nights, and other endless possibilities.
The recently upgraded audio system features five main 4-way speaker system behind the screen, fourteen surround sound speakers, one overhead spacial speaker, and four dual 18-inch high excursion subwoofers. Together these speakers boast an impressive 65,000+ watts of power and Dolby Cinema processing. Additional signal processors allow for the mixing of microphone systems, background music, and other required distribution.
The space also features the capability for full remote participant conferencing and the ability to send alternative content and overflow audio to other spaces throughout the facility.
Exhibits, Galleries & Planetarium
The facility features a wide number of galleries and exhibit spaces each with their on unique challenges and demands. Featuring simple background throughout or robust line array speaker technology in the Planetarium, the audiovisual is always of the highest caliber. As each event changes, the technology to support the exhibits does as well. Pearl Technology is always readily available to assist the museum and foster the partnership to bring technology to all as an educational tool.
Education Spaces & Boardroom
From daily educational sessions to larger events, art shows, staff training, and board meetings this space features recent upgrades offering the capabilities for presentation, conferencing, and live events. Each space has the capability to work independently or together for larger groups.
Facility Digital Signage
Throughout the entire building are a variety of interactive and informative flat panel displays used for digital signage. Each features a robust signage player with software that allows for central management of the entire system as well as easily changeable uploads from various groups and departments.
Lobby & Plaza Experience
The main lobby and entry features a variety of technology including a seven panel portrait video wall featuring various events and content that is easily changeable based on the current exhibits.
One 1.2mm pixel pitch direct view LED display features a 120-inch high resolution display featuring specific gallery information, events, and other pictures and videos featured by the events team.
One robust audio system in the lobby and two outdoor plazas allows the spaces to be configured as a multiuse space for various events throughout the day and evenings. Each space can be used independently or together for larger events.
