“It’s been a while since I’ve been surprised by anything but has truly impressed me. It’s beautiful,” said. Mr. Poltavchneko. “I think this exhibition can be considered a prototype of a future museum that would present science in an exciting new way as opposed to the academic old-fashioned style that we’re used to. In our day and age, it’s very important for young people who are very used to getting their information from the Internet, and for the older generation. The exhibition offers a clear representation of the development of holography and its possibilities in the future. I’m sure that the exhibition will be interesting for the people of St. Petersburg, and I hope that as many people as possible will learn about it. I’m very grateful to the team of ITMO University for creating such attractions.”
The governor noted the role of the University in the life of the city and said that he’d recently met with the team of ITMO University’s programmers that won ACM ICPC Programming Competition. It’s the sixth win, said Mr. Poltavchenko, the result that hasn’t been recreated by any other university. He also pointed out that ITMO students have plenty of opportunities to apply their talents. Among the latest achievements he noted the development of software and automation for the New Stage of Aleksandrinksy Theater that offers new opportunities for actors and directors.
“I’m very excited to see the new works – the OptoClones® of the Imperial Faberge Eggs. I think that that technology used to create them will be also useful for the city’s museums. It’s also important that the exhibition contains the works from Greece, Japan, and other countries. It’s not just a comprehensive retrospective of what has been happening in holography over the past several decades but also a testament to how widely the technology can be used in other areas of life, from medicine to art, education and so on,” Mr. Poltavchenko said.
The day before the official opening, Magic of Light was visited by other government and community representatives, including St. Petersburg Vice Governor, Rector of the Shtiglitz Art Academy Vasilii Kichedzhi, Head of the Committee on Science and Higher Education Andrei Maksimov, and others. Guests had an opportunity to see ultrarealistic OptoClones® and holograms that have already made history, such as the collection of Yuri Denisjuk, the founder of holography. They also could explore optical illusions and test out virtual reality in Oculus Rift glasses.
“This is a unique exposition,” said Head of the Committee on Science and Higher Education Irina Ganus, who opened the X International Symposium on Display Holography in St. Petersburg on June 29. “It doesn’t just represent the achievements of holography. It’s a vivid reminder of the role of science in education and engagement especially of youth. Shows like this one should tour around the country. And of course, it would be great to have more shows of such caliber in our city.”
Magic of Light is open to the public from July 3 till Oct. 31 at Birzhevaja Linia, 14. It’s open daily till 9 pm.