Audubon Exhibition Takes Flight, with Digital Sculpting and Elevated Prints

Arius partnered with the National Audubon Society to create an accessible, tactile, and immersive experience for the John James Audubon Center.

The Collaboration

From 2D Masterpieces, to Engaging 3D Experiences

When the National Audubon Society envisioned a new, immersive exhibition at their historic Mill Grove estate, they faced a unique challenge: How do you make iconic, flat illustrations feel as alive as the birds outside the window?

Arius stepped in to bridge the gap between historical art and modern accessibility. Our team took ultra-high-resolution images of three classic Audubon prints and began the meticulous process of digital 3D sculpting.

By treating the files as "digital clay," our experts carefully added elevation to every detail, from the intricate scales of a fish, to the delicate ribbing of a flycatcher’s tail. The result? Elevated, tactile prints that allow visitors to "see with their hands," making the legacy of John James Audubon more accessible and engaging than ever before.

The Technology

How Arius transformed 19th-century art into a 21st-century sensory experience.

Museum-Grade Textured Prints
Using our specialized printing technology, we produced durable, high-fidelity elevated prints that remained faithful to Audubon’s original, vibrant, 2D color palettes.
Digital Sculpting, with alta™ Studio
Our experts manually sculpted elevation and depth into every feather, beak, and detail, ensuring the 3D form matched the biological reality of the species.
The Partner

About the National Audubon Society

The National Audubon Society protects birds and their habitats throughout the Americas, using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. Their historic Mill Grove site serves as a sanctuary and educational hub, honoring the legacy of John James Audubon.

“Our collaboration with the National Audubon Society represents a milestone in making historic art truly inclusive.
By utilizing our digital sculpting capabilities to translate Audubon’s iconic birds into a tactile experience, we are breaking down the traditional barriers of the 'do not touch' gallery setting.
This project perfectly aligns with our mission to nurture an art-rich culture for everybody, allowing visitors to connect with the intricate textures of the natural world in a new and exciting way.”
Paul Lindahl
CEO & Cofounder, Arius Technology
Experience the Art

The John James Audubon Center

Today, these tactile masterpieces are a permanent fixture at the John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove in Audubon, Pennsylvania. The exhibition features three specific species that can still be spotted on the estate grounds today:

  • The Great Blue Heron
  • The Pewit Flycatcher
  • The Belted Kingfisher
Learn More About the Center

Have a Vision for an Immersive Art Experience?

Whether you are looking to preserve a historic collection or create a world-class tactile exhibition, let’s explore what’s possible with Arius.