Behind the scenes of filming the virtual adventure with guides B & T
Time Travel
The journey to the past begins, perhaps surprisingly, on the sixth floor of the Máj department store. But the story of its creation started back in 2023, when the idea was born to create a unique attraction in Prague — one that would guide visitors through centuries of history in the form of an audiovisual show. An immersive exhibition designed to present the key moments of Prague’s — and indeed Czech — history.
Right from the beginning, the small investor team wrote a motto on the whiteboard that guided the entire development, construction, and opening of the experience: “Less museum, more experience.”
The goal was clear: not to create just another static exhibition, but a strong, dynamic adventure. To transform history — often remembered as dry textbook learning — into an epic journey full of dramatic turns, legends, myths, and surprises.
Choosing the Partner: Who Could Build It?
It was clear that turning this vision into reality would not be easy. The Czech Republic has excellent filmmakers, set designers, builders, and creatives — but very few with experience in such a complex, technology-heavy project.
The key question was: Who can actually make this happen?
The answer came from Austria: Kraftwerk Living Technologies, a company with experience in similar projects worldwide. Specializing in audiovisual installations, LED screens, holographic projections, and 4D/5D cinema equipment, they brought not only technical know-how but also strong creative drive. A major factor was the personal enthusiasm of co-owner Christian Horner, who poured not just the company’s expertise, but also his own energy, ideas, and passion into the project.
Preparation of seats in the 5D cinema
The Biggest Challenges
Two major challenges shaped the project:
First: How to compress Prague’s rich and long history into a single immersive experience lasting under an hour. This time frame was defined as optimal in terms of capacity, operations, and partner expertise.
Second: The technical limitations of the Máj Národní building itself — especially its height, which was critical for some parts of the attraction.
Once these challenges were resolved, the next phase could begin: developing the content and visual design of each room.
Interiors: History Within Reach
The aim was for each room to authentically reflect its era. Easier said than done. While famous periods such as the reign of Charles IV have a clear visual identity, the very beginnings of Prague required inspiration from legends, chronicles, and foreign monuments of similar age — such as ancient Greek examples.
A crucial role was played by Jakub Prantl, designer and concept artist at the contractor’s firm, who oversaw both historical accuracy and artistic execution. The result? Scenes where visitors can sit in the era of Charles IV or step into the mythical world of the Golem. For the Golem, with no definitive historical depiction, the team had to rely purely on imagination and creativity — creating an entirely original version made exclusively for Back in Time.
Character illustrations in Back in Time by Jakub Prantl
An Experience That Both Entertains and Teaches
The entire Back in Time journey combines a world-class audiovisual show with an educational dimension. Visitors can refresh their historical knowledge, while also discovering new and surprising facts. And all of it is presented in a way that is engaging and understandable for every generation.
The mission was to prove that history doesn’t have to be boring — it can be an adventure that draws you into centuries long gone.
Construction of the Astronomical Clock room
Technology Set in History
The attraction is packed with cutting-edge technology, much of it used for the first time in the Czech Republic. From state-of-the-art projection systems to special motion seats and intricately designed sets that recreate different eras in astonishing detail.
The result is a unique combination of modern technology and historical authenticity.
The Result and the Future
Dozens of people contributed to the creation of Back in Time — from builders and technicians to the creative team. All poured in tremendous effort, energy, and perseverance. The reward? Exceptional reactions from visitors. High ratings on social media confirm that the motto “Less museum, more experience” has been fulfilled.
And what’s next? After a journey to the past, the future is already calling. The creative team is full of new ideas, and you can already look forward to upcoming innovations — including a brand-new 5D cinema film that will take you on another unforgettable ride. 🙂 Stay tuned!
