Narratologies: Embracing Gaia | XR Climate & Ecology Experience at the National Garden of Athens

The National Garden of Athens recently hosted an innovative cultural event showcasing the power of hybrid storytelling, XR technologies, and ecological education. Embracing Gaia | The XR Sculpture Treasure Hunt, developed by Narratologies, Jagiellonian University, and TMMSAC, and presented in partnership with Green Athens, transformed the historic site into a dynamic, multisensory learning environment.

As part of the Horizon research initiative CAPHE (Communities and Artistic Participation in Hybrid Environments), the project demonstrated how public spaces can become open-air hybrid classrooms, blending digital technology with art and ecological experiences.

Dive into the highlights and watch the experience come to life in our video!

Strong Turnout and Meaningful Engagement

Held on a Sunday morning at the last quarter of 2025, the event welcomed visitors of all ages, including families, educators, artists, students, and local residents eager to experience an XR hybrid cultural event.

Attendees enthusiastically engaged with the treasure hunt, interacting with smart objects, QR codes, augmented reality content, and exploring hidden corners of the garden.

The response highlighted the success of the initiative. Many completed the treasure hunt route, families described it as “educational, enjoyable, and thoughtfully designed”, educators praised its experiential learning potential, and cultural professionals valued the integration of contemporary art with immersive technology.

The high engagement demonstrated how XR and hybrid formats can enhance environmental awareness and build a sense of community.

Hybrid Storytelling and Contemporary Art

A highlight of the experience was discovering contemporary sculptures by Kenyan artists from the BRAMSA movement, hand-carved using traditional techniques with ecological symbolism.

Within the Embracing Gaia hybrid framework, the sculptures were enhanced with augmented reality, immersive soundscapes, and ecological digital data, offering visitors a novel perspective and stimulating dialogue about sustainability, materiality, and cross-cultural heritage.

Many participants described the combination as innovative, thought-provoking, and a new way to connect with art and nature.

A Story-Driven Ecological Journey

Through a simple yet impactful narrative, participants restored harmony to the four natural elements and helped Gaia, the goddess of the Earth, regain balance after Hermes caused disruption.

The experience included AR interactions, immersive soundscapes, VR environments, sensory elements inspired by nature, and short ecological interpretations, creating a memorable and enjoyable learning journey.

Collaboration with Green Athens

The event’s success was strengthened by the strategic partnership with Green Athens, whose mission aligns with Embracing Gaia: promoting
environmental awareness, using urban green spaces for cultural purposes, and connecting art and ecology.

Green Athens contributed to shaping the visitor experience, providing ecological context, and integrating the project into the National Garden’s landscape design, demonstrating the power of cross-sector collaborations for community-centered cultural initiatives.

Advancing Hybrid Learning in Public Spaces

Embracing Gaia served as a case study for the CAPHE project, highlighting how public parks can function as interactive learning spaces, how digital and physical layers merge, and how participants become co-creators in hybrid narratives.

The event confirmed public interest in experiences that meaningfully combine technology, culture, and nature, while enhancing multisensory and inclusive learning.

Looking Ahead

For Narratologies and partners, Embracing Gaia marks a milestone in XR-driven “green” experiences related to ecology and the climate, reinforcing the commitment to inclusive, educational, and artistically rich hybrid experiences, and strengthening collaboration with Green Athens in reimagining public spaces for community benefit.

Contact us at [email protected] to explore how XR “green” experiences related to ecology and the climate can elevate your destination as well as your social responsibility. Let’s collaborate to create immersive, sustainable, and unforgettable cultural journeys for your visitors!