Digital interactive exhibitionmaking waves
Poole Museum’s newly launched Sound of the Sea exhibition, is making a splash with visitors of all ages.
This immersive digital installation transports audiences into a mesmerising underwater world, where futuristic sea creatures respond dynamically to every movement, creating an unforgettable interactive experience.
Created by internationally renowned Marpi Studio, the exhibition transforms the museum’s newly created Changing Exhibitions space, The Fine Gallery, into an interactive ocean environment.
Using body-tracking sensors, visitors see their avatars appear on screen and can interact with vibrant, imagined marine life in a hypnotic blend of light, sound, and motion. The result is a bold reimagining of maritime heritage through a contemporary lens.
Poole Museum is re-writing the museum playbook, embracing digital creativity to explore what lies beneath the surface, both literally and metaphorically. This playful, immersive experience blurs the boundaries between art, technology, and nature, sparking curiosity and conversation across generations.
Sound of the Sea is designed to be inclusive and engaging for all ages and abilities, offering both calming and energising experiences.
Jaine Fitzpatrick, Interim Director, Poole Museum said:
“We are delighted to open this stunning new gallery with such a bold and imaginative exhibition. Sound of the Sea is unlike anything we’ve shown in Poole Museum before. It’s immersive, interactive, and deeply aligned with Poole’s natural underwater heritage.
“This exhibition, and the wider redevelopment, marks a new chapter for Poole Museum. We’re evolving into a vibrant cultural centre where art, history and technology converge, and I invite everyone to explore the transformed museum and experience the interactive magic waiting in our Changing Exhibitions space on the fourth floor.”
The Fine Gallery, previously an office space, has been transformed through the museum’s ambitious redevelopment into a state-of-the-art white box gallery with advanced environmental controls, thanks to support from The Fine Family Foundation. This enables Poole Museum to host everything from historic masterpieces to cutting-edge digital installations.
Sibyl Fine King, Director, The Fine Family Foundation said:
“I am absolutely delighted to be involved with Poole Museum and in particular to support The Fine Gallery. This exhibition, Sound of the Sea couldn’t be better. What an apt and inviting opening exhibition celebrating Poole’s essence which is so linked to our relationship with the sea.
“By highlighting our connection to creatures in the sea both real and imagined through the theme and technology I hope this sets the course for many fabulous and interesting exhibitions at our newly renovated Poole Museum.”
Sound of the Sea is the culmination of an international and virtual collaboration: curated in Shanghai; created in San Francisco, Paris, and Oslo; and produced out of New York and Los Angeles. Its UK debut at Poole Museum follows a successful installation in Norway in collaboration with Lumen Prize, an international award that celebrates artists working at the intersection of creativity and innovation.
Poole Museum has recently undergone a major transformation into an outstanding museum, gallery and cultural centre on the south coast, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund; Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council, who own and operate the museum; Arts Council England; Heritage England; and many other partners.
The museum officially reopened on 5 November, with Sound of the Sea running until Sunday 26 January 2026.
Whether you’re an art lover, tech enthusiast, young or young at heart, or simply curious, ‘Sound of the Sea’ promises to surprise, engage and delight everyone who visits.
To find out more about the exhibition and book your free entry ticket online, visit Sound of the Sea Exhibition | Poole Museum