BRUSSELS – A groundbreaking project titled ‘Avatars 200’ is set to bring 200 historical figures who have significantly influenced Belgium’s past back to life using artificial intelligence.
The initiative, launched in preparation for the country’s bicentenary in 2030, aims to provide an immersive and interactive experience to engage the public with Belgium’s rich history.
The first of these figures, Fenella, was unveiled on Friday at the Théâtre de la Monnaie in Brussels. Fenella, a key character from the opera La Muette de Portici, played a symbolic role in Belgium’s fight for independence.
The 1830 performance of the opera at the same venue ignited the Belgian Revolution, leading to the country’s secession from the Netherlands and the establishment of an independent Belgian state.
Project initiator Géraldine Bueken explained that ‘Avatars 200’ is designed to highlight both renowned personalities and lesser-known individuals who have made significant contributions to Belgium’s history.
“Fenella carries the memory of Belgium and gives proper recognition to a woman who helped shape our shared history,” Bueken stated during the unveiling ceremony.
The initiative is part of the broader Invisible Festival, an augmented reality art festival dedicated to uncovering hidden historical figures through cutting-edge technology.
By using AI-powered avatars, the project aims to make history more accessible and engaging. “History is alive thanks to these avatars; we can make it more inclusive and bridge the past with the future,” Bueken said.
These AI-generated avatars will be able to interact with the public, answering questions and narrating their own historical experiences, offering a dynamic way for people to connect with the past.
“Rather than static representations in museums, these avatars will create living conversations that make history feel tangible and personal,” Bueken added.
The public will play a central role in selecting the remaining 199 figures for the project. Voting is now open on the official website, Avatars200.be, where Belgians can nominate and support historical figures they believe deserve recognition.
The ‘Avatars 200’ project aligns with a broader movement towards integrating AI and virtual reality into historical education.
By leveraging technology, organizers hope to breathe new life into Belgium’s past and celebrate the nation’s heritage in an unprecedented manner.
The unveiling of Fenella is just the beginning. As Belgium moves closer to its 200th anniversary, more historical figures will be introduced, each adding a unique perspective to the country’s diverse and storied past.
With AI-driven storytelling, Belgians and visitors alike will have the opportunity to engage with history in a way that is both innovative and deeply personal.
As the nation prepares to celebrate two centuries of independence, ‘Avatars 200’ promises to be a significant cultural milestone, ensuring that the legacy of Belgium’s historical figures is not only remembered but actively experienced by future generations.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
