REXPERIENCE: Merging Technology and Heritage at Rex KL

By Tishen Rocky — November 7, 2024 @ 12.00 pm

Located in the vibrant cultural hub of Kuala Lumpur, Rex  KL is renowned for breathing life into a historic movie theatre. REXPERIENCE is a ground-breaking attraction that fuses digital art with Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors can interact and observe the art in a way that is both captivating and cutting-edge thanks to this immersive experience with projectors. I reached out to its CEO, Sebastian Jurkowksi, via email with a set of questions. His thoughtful response has offered insightful information about the difficulties, goals of this unique initiative 

 (All photos by Tishen  Rocky)

REXPERIENCE is a brand-new attraction at Rex KL that opened to the public on September 15th, 2023. Visitors can interact and observe the art in a way that is both captivating and cutting-edge thanks to this immersive experience with projectors.  According to Sebastien jurkowski, CEO of REXPERIENCE, “The attraction was created to explore storytelling through immersive digital art, blending technology with culture. The goal of Rex KL is to rejuvenate imagination and bring fresh creative energy into culture through technology.

A Vision for Storytelling

REXPERIENCE is not just another tourist attraction but a creative journey. When asked a question concerning the motivation behind REXPERIENCE, Jurkowski highlighted the desire to explore storytelling through immersive art. “Rexperience was created to explore storytelling through immersive digital art, blending technology with culture,” He shared. This vision is perfectly complimented REX KL’s mission of reimagining spaces for creativity and community. Jurkowski claims that REXPERIENCE and rex KL are committed to creatively showcasing both Malaysian and International cultures.

Challenges and Triumphs

There were several obstacles to overcome, especially when establishing REXPERIENCE within a heritage site, particularly in terms of funding and public awareness. We faced challenges around funding and educating the public about immersive art,” Jurkowski mentioned. This kind of art, which combines digital technology with real-world spaces, is still relatively new in Malaysia, making it a fresh concept for many. Another hurdle was adapting the cutting-edge technology to the historic Rex Kl building. “Engineering the system within a heritage building required creative planning,” he said. The  REXPERIENCE team solution was a result of a combination of innovative engineering, and assembling the right tea. This approach allowed them to maintain the venue's historic beauty while introducing state-of-the-art digital installations.

Enhancing the Visitor Experience with Technology

Motion sensors and other technologies like projection mapping are major contributors to the immersive experience quality. These tools turn static art into interactive, dynamic installations that response to visitors' movements.Jurkowski explained, “We utilize technologies like projection mapping and motion sensors to create interactive, multisensory experiences.” Because of this , every visit brings something different and unique to the table. As they explore, visitors can become a part of the artwork by walking through REXPERIENCE, triggering changes in sounds and light. This integration of art and technology offers a stronger bond between the guest and the story being presented which is made possible by the fusion of art and technology. “This allows visitors to engage more deeply with the art, making each visit immersive and memorable,” added Jurkowski. Both locals and visitors are drawn to the attraction because of its multisensory approach which incorporates audio, sights, and tactile experiences.

A Glimpse into the Future

Looking ahead, REXPERIENCE intends to expand outside Rex KL. “We plan to open more venues and collaborate with a wider range of artists to explore new themes,” Jurkowski said. The goal of this expansion is to establish REXPERIENCE  as a prominent figure in the Southeast Asian art scene with this broader vision. In the future, interactive workshops will also be available so visitors can learn about digital tools and creative processes behind exhibits 

Promoting Malaysian Heritage in a Modern Way

The dedication of REXPERIENCE is to promoting Malaysian culture through a contemporary lens. An example of this goal is one of the digital programs called “Hanya Batik”“Through shows like Hanya Batik, which explores Malaysian history via digital art, we’re making traditional stories accessible to new generations,” Jurkowski explained. By presenting Malaysia's rich cultural legacy with a modern twist making people relate to it more.

The fusion of heritage is a key component of REXPERIENCE’S appeal, By blending local themes with technology, it helps provide a new viewpoint on Malaysian culture.“By fusing local heritage with modern technology, we keep these narratives relevant and vibrant,” added Jurkowski. This approach makes traditional tales not only preserved but also given new life, making them engaging to both young audiences and tourists from other countries.

Adapting to Feedback and Growing Stronger

Feedback greatly influences the future of REXPERIENCE as Jurkowski highlighted that the reactions of the audience have been overwhelmingly positive, especially the referencing the creativity of the shows“Visitor feedback has been positive, especially about the creativity of our shows,” he noted. This info was used by the team to improve the interaction and flow of the exhibits, guaranteeing that every show is improved upon and provides a better experience.By continuously changing and adapting to visitor feedback, REXPERIENCE remains to be a dynamic area “We use the input to fine-tune exhibit flow and interactivity, ensuring that every show feels more engaging than the last,” Jurkowski emphasized. This dedication to improvements guarantees that REXPERIENCE maintains its position as a must-see attraction in KL and stays ahead in the field of immersive art.

A Gateway to the Future of Art and Culture  

REXPERIENCE stands at the center of art, technology, and cultural narrative with its unique approach of using digital art with Malaysian culture which has created a space where guests can discover a new world reestablishing and reconnecting with people to their roots through a fusion of technology and respect for tradition.

In the future REXPERIENCE aims to reach a wider audience and encourage more people to discover immersive storytelling. With ambitious goals and dedication to creativity with a solid ground in Malaysian culture, REXPERIENCE is set to become a cornerstone in Southeast Asia’s creative scene. Whether you’re a local or a traveler, a visit to REXPERIENCE guarantees an exciting adventure that connects the past and the future

Price

Malaysian Regular Ticket

-RM40 

Non-Malaysian Regular Ticket

-RM60

Opening hours

• Monday: 10:00-16:00

• Tuesday / Wednesday / Thursday / Friday / Saturday / Sunday / Public holidays: 10:00-22:00

• Opening hours and closure dates may change. Kindly check the latest information before your visit