All characters are handcrafted by 3D character artists
Imagine if every exhibit, trail, or experience could respond, guide, and engage in real time. Thanks to AI, visitor attractions are stepping into a new era of dynamic storytelling, wayfinding, and interpretation. No longer limited to static displays or one-way information delivery, venues can now create rich, interactive journeys where visitors ask questions, receive personalised guidance, and connect more deeply- across languages, interests, and learning styles. Whether it’ s unlocking the secrets of a historic site, helping guests navigate a busy venue, or making exhibits accessible to international audiences, AI is reshaping how we experience the world around us.
At the forefront of this movement is 1956 Individuals, part of Cambridge-based technology company SKC Games Studio. Specialising in lifelike AI characters, 1956 Individuals develops technology that responds in real time, creating interactions that feel warm, authentic, and emotionally engaging. The result? Visitors no longer just learn about history; they experience it firsthand, stepping into dynamic conversations that add layers of meaning and context to their visit.
One of the company’ s most exciting projects is underway at Bletchley Park, the oncesecret home of Britain’ s World War Two codebreakers. 1956 Individuals is currently developing a life-size, interactive version of Alan Turing, widely regarded as the‘ father of AI’. In a world-first innovation, this digital Turing will not only engage in natural conversation but will also utilise facial recognition to tailor his responses depending on whether he’ s speaking with an individual visitor, a group, or addressing children versus adults. Visitors will be able to ask Turing about his life, his groundbreaking work on codebreaking and early computing, and even how he views the evolution of AI today.
Authenticity is a top priority. To ensure that the Alan Turing AI is true to life, the team is working closely with his nephew and biographer, Sir Dermot Turing. Every element- from the tone of his speech to the personal stories he shares- is carefully crafted to honour Turing’ s legacy and ensure that visitors receive not only information but a deeply respectful portrayal of the man himself.
This commitment to authenticity extends across 1956 Individuals’ entire portfolio. At Leeds Castle in Kent, the company is bringing Queen Eleanor of Castile, the wife of Edward I, to life as part of the castle’ s ambitious‘ Moments in Time’ programme. Eleanor’ s AI character will be able to converse fluently in English, Spanish, and French- the three languages she is believed to have spoken, offering insights into 13th-century arts, culture, and royal life. Visitors will have the opportunity to engage in direct dialogue with one of medieval history’ s most fascinating figures, experiencing history through her own voice.
Beyond the storytelling, the technology itself is equally impressive. The characters can work around the clock, answering questions day and night, reducing pressure on human staff, and ensuring a consistently high-quality visitor experience. Features like Automatic Language Detection( ALD) make the experience even more personal: characters can automatically detect the language spoken nearby and adapt their conversation accordingly, ensuring visitors from all
The 1956 Individuals team, pictured at their Cambridgeshire HQ
backgrounds feel welcomed, understood, and valued.
For schools, the experience can be extended pre or post visit, with the AI characters able to join Teams calls and take questions from children who are about to visit or who have just visited. This is a great way to build excitement or to anchor learning, by reinforcing what they absorbed during their visit.
By blending rich storytelling with cutting-edge technology, 1956 Individuals is turning historical education into something far more powerful: an emotional, interactive, and personal experience. It’ s not just about presenting facts- it’ s about creating meaningful connections that linger long after visitors leave.
As museums and attractions continue to evolve, AI-powered characters offer an exciting way to captivate new audiences, deepen engagement, and ensure that history remains vivid, relevant, and alive for generations to come.
To find out more about introducing AI characters at your organisation, get in touch with John Harte, 1956 Individuals’ Regional Director for Europe- john @ 1956individuals. ai.
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