Leyard Europe makes journey through time possible with Future Heritage Portal at Porsche Museum

The Porsche Museum offers holographic storytelling designed by Frankfurt-based digital design agency, Liganova Horizon, delivered via a combination of clever LED technology from Leyard Europe, specially manufactured mirror discs and 3D content. This reddot 2022 award winning project offers visitors a new way of immersing themselves in the world of Porsche through a futuristic installation that puts a spotlight on the Egger-Lohner C.2 Phaeton – the oldest surviving design from founder, Ferdinand Porsche.

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After more than a year of research, planning and execution, the 1898 Egger-Lohner C.2 Phaeton, one of the most important vehicles in the company’s collection, has been given its proper accolade as the opening exhibit. Powered by the ‘Octagon-Engine’, an electric motor developed by Ferdinand Porsche and mounted in front of the rear axle, the electric car drove through the streets of Vienna 123 years ago. Today, it stands on a pedestal approximately five metres in diameter, at the front of which is a technically sophisticated Future Heritage Portal that makes it look as if it is travelling from the past into the present.

“The image on the background LED video wall is refracted twice by transmissive mirrors, creating an infinity mirror effect that makes the content appear limitless,” explains Laurin Schmid, Field Sales Manager, DACH, at Leyard Europe. “Another ring of LED video wall modules is inserted between the two mirrors, further enhancing the effect, as does the LED floor on which the exhibit stands, which continues to extend the content.”

Leyard Carbonlight CLO3.9 LED panels were used for the background. These outdoor-ready 3.9mm pixel pitch LED displays were chosen because of the required brightness. For the ring between the mirrors, Leyard CLI-Flex-2.6 modules were installed. “Due to the flexibility of these modules, and a substructure specially made by Leyard Europe, a perfect, stepless circle was created for the image display,” adds Schmid.

For the LED floor beneath the exhibit, the load-bearing capacity was crucial due to the high point load of the vehicle standing on stilts. Here, CarbonLight CLF-5.2 was selected, its lightweight carbon fiber frame creating a high-strength structure built to withstand loads up to 500kg per display, making it ideal. Inside the circle on which the Egger-Lohner C.2 Phaeton stands, audio components were installed to complete the comprehensive audiovisual experience for the visitor, with international design agency, Liganova Horizon, responsible for content, using images and sound to take the viewer on a journey from 1898 to the here and now.

“Many visitors have never associated the horseless carriage with electric mobility. Now we’ve created a real wow effect. Every visitor is drawn into Porsche’s electric beginnings thanks to ‘infinity mirror’ technology in a previously unseen way.”

Iris Haker
Curator, Porsche Museum

The overall construction of the exhibit, in particular the design and sourcing of the specially made mirror glass panes, which are unique due to their size alone.

“Throughout the project, a unique dynamic developed between the companies to develop the best solution to realise this amazing project,” concludes Schmid. “Driven by this enthusiasm, the result is an iconic exhibit that perfectly reflects Porsche's visionary ideas and innovative strength. With this striking example of holographic storytelling, the team was able to span more than 120 years of Porsche´s history, making museum visits a unique and fascinating experience!”