by ZAUBAR
Imagine standing on the brink of history, feeling your heartbeat quicken as you prepare to crawl into a narrow, dimly lit passage beneath the Berlin Wall. This is the essence of the immersive storytelling crafted by ZAUBAR through the PRESENCE Project — a pioneering EU initiative pushing the boundaries of human connection within Extended Reality (XR).
PRESENCE is more than technology; it’s about enabling powerful human interactions through groundbreaking innovations like holoportation, haptic sensations, and vividly realistic virtual humans. With 17 partners across 11 countries, we at ZAUBAR have been entrusted with bringing cultural heritage vividly to life.
Our Journey: Bridging Past and Present
At ZAUBAR, history isn’t just studied — it’s experienced. Through our Tunnel 57 experience, participants become active travelers, stepping directly into one of the Cold War’s most daring escapes. This is storytelling as never before, interactive and unforgettable.
The Tale of Tunnel 57
In October 1964, beneath the iron grip of the Berlin Wall, a group led by the courageous Joachim Neumann embarked on an extraordinary endeavor. Together with Dr. Burkhardt Veigel, Klaus-Michael von Keussler, and other brave souls, they dug a tunnel measuring just under a meter in height, spanning a claustrophobic 145 meters. Against all odds, this cramped corridor would deliver 57 East Berliners to the other side of the wall.
This image is a screenshot of the XR headset view, reconstructed using real photographs, interviews with Burkhart Veigel, and expert discussions on how the tunnel operated, appeared, and felt.
Immersive Experience: “Breaking Out: Escape Helpers”
Our XR experience immerses you directly in a powerful historical moment. Wearing an XR headset, haptic gloves, and a responsive vest, you don’t just see the past — you feel it. As you squeeze through tight spaces, repair damaged equipment, and dig alongside your companions, your pulse quickens and every movement is enhanced by advanced haptic technology. Along the way, you encounter lifelike virtual eyewitnesses who share gripping memories, answer your questions, and guide you through their extraordinary experiences. Scattered throughout the environment, you’ll discover photographs, voice recordings, and authentic artifacts — each revealing another layer of a remarkable event brought vividly to life.
Commitment to Authenticity and Care
Every element — from meticulously detailed environments to carefully crafted interactions — is developed with respect for historical truth and emotional sensitivity. We aim not merely to educate but to move you profoundly, honoring the bravery of those involved without triggering unnecessary distress.
This image depicts an air pump used to ventilate a 145-meter-long escape tunnel beneath the Berlin Wall.
Due to the tunnel’s cramped dimensions—only about 90 cm high and 60 cm wide—oxygen was scarce and conditions were extremely harsh.
Resonance and Recognition
Already exhibited at esteemed events like XR EXPO, SXSW Austin, and Deutscher Museumsbund 2025, Tunnel 57 is celebrated for its emotional impact, educational richness, and stunning realism. Participants describe it as profoundly moving, deeply personal, and eye-opening.
At ZAUBAR, we believe that technology has the power to immortalize important narratives, connecting present generations with the courage and resilience of the past. With Tunnel 57, history is not just told — it is lived.
