Darabase is proud to partner with The Magnificent Mile® Association to bring “AR-chitecture: Unlocking the Magnificent Mile’s Hidden Gems”, an immersive augmented reality experience, to life. This innovative project combines cutting-edge AR technology with the rich history of the City of Chicago’s architectural landmarks, offering visitors an engaging journey through time.
About AR-chitecture
Explore the stories behind iconic Michigan Avenue landmarks like never before. This multi-sensory AR experience, narrated by renowned broadcaster Bill Kurtis, reveals the historical evolution of Chicago’s most famous sites, including:
- Tribune Tower: Relive the bustling newsroom era and witness its transformation into luxury residences.
- DuSable Bridge: Discover the legacy of Jean Baptiste Point DuSable and learn about the bridge’s unique double-deck design.
- Future Locations: Experiences at The Wrigley Building, Water Tower Place, and 875 North Michigan Avenue will launch between December and January.
Each stop includes historic photos, interactive games, and trivia, blending past and present in a seamless digital journey. The experiences are accessible through an interactive map and will remain active until December 2026.
A Beneficial Experience for the Local Economy
The AR-chitecture experience brings multiple benefits to The Magnificent Mile® and Michigan Avenue’s businesses. By showcasing iconic landmarks through immersive technology, the experience attracts increased exploration of local shops, dining, and cultural venues. Interactive elements like games and trivia create a deeper connection with visitors, encouraging longer dwell times, word of mouth marketing and repeat visits.
Incorporating augmented reality aligns with The Magnificent Mile® Association’s broader goals of creating a vibrant, digitally enhanced destination that supports the local economy while fostering a stronger sense of community. By integrating AR with placemaking, the experience helps position Chicago’s Michigan Avenue as a global leader in blending history, innovation, and commerce.
Darabase: The AR Technology Partner
As the AR technology partner, Darabase created this groundbreaking experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the Magnificent Mile’s hidden stories while engaging with its rich architectural legacy.
Darabase CEO, Dominic Collins stated “We’re thrilled to partner with The Magnificent Mile® Association to bring history to life through AR-chitecture. Augmented reality has the unique power to connect people with places, blending storytelling and technology in a way that’s both engaging and educational. This experience not only showcases the rich architectural legacy of Michigan Avenue but also demonstrates how immersive technology can enhance the way we interact with our cities.”
Earlier this year, Darabase collaborated with The Magnificent Mile® Association on the Flight of Butterflies augmented reality experience, which celebrated art, nature, and community along Michigan Avenue. Building on the success of that project, AR-chitecture further demonstrates our shared commitment to using immersive technology to engage visitors in specific locations and tell powerful stories through the lens of immersive innovation.
Join us for “AR-chitecture: Unlocking the Magnificent Mile’s Hidden Gems” to experience for yourself this innovative blend of technology, history, and fun on the Magnificent Mile! You can find out more about how to get there on the Magnificent Mile website.
To find out more about how Darabase can help you with your next AR experience, get in touch with our team.
