In St. George’s, visitors to the historic market square can now experience a landmark piece of art in an entirely new way. Bermudian artist Shanna Hollis’ mural, *UnSettled Freedom*, has been paired with augmented‑reality (AR) technology, allowing passers‑by to view animated scenes that illustrate Bermuda’s colonial past and the fight for emancipation.
The project, launched through the Bermuda Tourism Authority’s digital platform, uses a smartphone app to overlay interactive graphics onto the mural’s surface. When a camera is pointed at the painted figures, they move, dialogue bubbles appear, and short narratives unfold, offering a vivid, immersive educational journey.
Local historians and educators have praised the initiative, noting that it makes the story of slavery and liberation accessible to younger generations who may otherwise overlook the historical significance of the site. "It turns a static artwork into a living classroom," said Dr. Lillian Sinclair of the University of the West Indies, Bermuda Campus.
Tourists can download the app for free, and the BTA has encouraged visitors to share their AR experiences on social media to promote both the island’s cultural heritage and its growing tech‑savvy tourism sector. The collaboration between artist, historians, and technologists exemplifies Bermuda’s commitment to preserving its past while embracing innovative storytelling methods.
The AR‑enhanced mural is expected to remain on display for the next six months, with plans to expand the feature to other historic sites around the island.
Bermuda