Journey to Holoscene: Guiding mastodons through time
An immersive VR adventure blending myth, science and memory to bring the world of ancient mastodons back to life
A project by Milena Malova, Noah Wendt, Omid Ameri and Stella Campana
Supervised by Prof. Dr Frank Gabler and Prof. Philip Hausmeier
Project completed in Semester 3 | Winter 2024/2025
About the Project
Journey to Holoscene is a VR experience that brings the extinct Mammut Americanus (American mastodon) to life as part of an interactive exhibition at the Senckenberg Museum in Frankfurt. Designed for the Meta Quest headset, the experience begins in a dark, cave-like setting where the user encounters a mystical shaman. After helping the shaman brew a potion, the user drinks it and is spiritually transported to the Holocene epoch, when mastodons still roamed the boreal forests.
There, users explore an ancient landscape teeming with lush flora and fauna. They are guided by the shaman—now transformed into an eagle—and encounter a herd of mastodons. The player interacts with the creatures by feeding them, eventually earning their trust. When hunters begin to approach, the user helps the herd escape by riding one of the mastodons through a dense forest and across a river, evading danger.
As the experience comes to an end, the potion’s effects wear off and the user is transported back to the original cave. The shaman bids farewell and presents the user with a trinket, both in the virtual and real worlds. This physical memento, mirroring the digital realm, deepens the emotional impact and serves as a lasting memory of the visit.
Journey to Holoscene not only showcases ancient life but also integrates spiritual storytelling, a museum context and emotional engagement. The physical installation features an artificial cave entrance situated next to the real mastodon skeleton, enhancing the spatial continuity between the real and virtual worlds. The project is a vivid example of how immersive media can bridge education and imagination—inviting visitors to connect with the past in a tangible, meaningful way.