Time Odyssey: A fun, interactive learning experience in UK museums designed for pupils aged 7 to 11.

Time Odyssey, created in partnership by Art Explora and the British Museum, is a major new national learning programme that takes students on a quest through their local museum – both physically and virtually.

Students meet characters lost in time - Revna - the Viking of the Sea, Cheng - a Trainee Scribe from Ancient China, Felix - future leader from Roman Britain, and Hori - a tomb painter from Ancient Egypt. Together they work in teams to tackle five quests and open the time portal to get their chosen character back home.

Art Explora and the British Museum have collaborated with digital developer Arcade XR to create a new digital learning adventure for schoolchildren aged 7 to 11 (the "Key Stage 2" in the British programme schools), which is based on the key elements of the British programme schools. Time Odyssey is designed to be played on a tablet while being physically present in the museum, with the help of teachers and museum staff.

Our ambition

Time Odyssey aims to facilitate schools' access to museums by removing the economic barriers that can prevent them from organizing school outings. The digital adventure game allows children to explore the museum in an innovative and fun way, thanks to new technologies. 

Time Odyssey aims to inspire a life-long interest in arts, culture and heritage, developing children’s sense of entitlement to culture and heritage by transforming the traditional school trip into a cultural learning adventure.

How to participate

Time Odyssey is a national programme with new museums joining all the time, all over the UK. Find your nearest Time Odyssey partner museum!

York Museum Trust

RAMM Exeter (Royal Albert Memorial Museum)

Contact: ramm.extra@exeter.gov.uk

The Great North Museum: Hancock, Newcastle (Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums)

Contact: learning@greatnorthmuseum.org.uk

Links with programme school

Time Odyssey is based on the main themes and subjects of "Key Stage 2" of the programme British school curriculum. Students will learn about a number of key themes in this stage of learning, such as "Building our World", "Cultural Links", "Communication", and "The Environment", while developing their knowledge of History. In each activity, they work as a team, develop their skills and, above all, have fun!

Students will be encouraged to:

• Understand life in different historical periods
• Work in teams to observe closely, analyse, and communicate information on collections in the museum
• Enhance their communication skills
• Be inspired to visit and explore museums

Travel Support for Schools 

Schools can apply for travel funding up to a maximum of £500. To apply for financial support, please fill in the form below or download it and send it to: timeodyssey@artexplora.org.

By facilitating transport costs, Art Explora is looking to open up participation to schools that face economic barriers to visiting museums and cultural heritage sites.   

New Technology 

Created by digital learning specialist Arcade XR, the experience combines cutting-edge technologies, including augmented reality (AR) and AI segmentation, with educational and creative activities. Quest uses a game-based learning approach to develop multidisciplinary skills, self-confidence and teamwork.

 About Arcade XR

ARCADE XR is a new kind of digital agency founded by architects, technology pioneers, game developers and creative strategists. The team specializes in using immersive technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) to create original three-dimensional digital experiences that connect people to a place through play .

"We operate in a variety of fields, including heritage, arts and culture, sport, entertainment, visitor attractions, branding, retail and events. We help our customers create stories in ways that are technically inventive, creatively thoughtful and seriously fun." Co-founder of Arcade XR

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Our partners

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