Best Virtual Field Trip: Summit Immersive Space

When one of its shows starts, the walls of Summit Immersive Space come to life.

Large-scale dinosaurs lumber by and galaxies spin, the science and history behind them narrated out loud in a multisensory experience meant to both entertain and inform.

“That was the foundation of the idea: to create an engaging environment that not only entertains, but also allows people to discover something new,” says the space’s creator, Andrei Ilyutsenka.

Inside the space — a large, darkened room — carefully positioned high-resolution projectors transform the empty walls and floor into a mesmerizing seamless, 360-degree visual space, helping viewers feel as though they’re part of the unfolding action. This technology makes exploring science and history more engaging.

Originally from Belarus, Ilyutsenka came to the U.S. with extensive STEM education and scientific research experience, including developing innovative methods of information visualization and leading research projects. He brings that background to his new venture.

“I try to connect immersive technologies with the educational environment,” recalls Ilyutsenka.

Guests can currently book a time slot to experience one of three 40- to-50-minute shows — Prehistoric World, which explores dinosaurs and the ancient Earth, Masterpieces Fusion, which teaches viewers about art history — including the lives and works of Gustav Klimt, Vincent van Gogh and others — and Cosmos Journey, which takes guests through space, to the solar system and beyond, while encountering a solar eclipse, an asteroid belt, the Orion Nebula and more cosmic phenomena.

“One possible educational use is to place an entire class or group inside a visualized world of atomic and subatomic particles, allowing participants to explore complex scientific processes together,” Ilyutsenka says.

In the Prehistoric World show, see lava flowing as the Earth changes, representations of flying reptiles, swimming mosasaurs and plesiosaurs, an asteroid impact and more. It’s a chronological paleontological journey through Earth’s ancient history, from the discovery of fossils and the development of prehistoric life to the age of dinosaurs and the Great Extinction.

Ilyutsenka and his team create the scripts for the shows, contacting subject matter experts to help verify scientific and historical information.

“Narration is one of the most important parts of the show because the educational information must be scientifically accurate,” he says.

The visual content is developed collaboratively by Summit Immersive Space’s core team, technical specialists, external production partners and independent artists. They incorporate authentic photos and videos, documentary and archival materials, original works of art, artificial intelligence tools and licensed stock images.

Along with tickets for public showings, guests can also book private shows at Summit Immersive Space. Rates start at $99 for up to 10 people, and there are options for larger groups as well. Your group can take in a presentation that is unique to this area.

“I researched what was already available and couldn’t find anything quite like this — something that combines a compact format, affordability, high production quality, educational value and inspiration,” Ilyutsenka says.

In the future, Ilyutsenka plans to expand Summit Immersive Space’s offerings — and hopes to add more interactive experiences and more educational shows taking guests to biblical times, ancient Egypt, around the globe, fairy tale lands, underwater worlds and more. He’s currently looking for partners to expand his operation to other areas.

“Our shows are for all ages,” Ilyutsenka says. “The youngest children love the visuals, teenagers enjoy the narration and adults appreciate the environment itself.”

1935 Brittain Road, Akron, 330-237-7828, immersives.art

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