John Hancock Observatory announces a brand new way to take in the amazing views from over 1,000 feet up as it welcomes the installment of 18 new interactive and educational screens created by de pinzi. Since 1991 de pinzi has been creating interactive experiences in the realms of leisure and education with the aim of “immersing” the participants into a truly interactive context.
Visitors to John Hancock Observatory now provided with panoramic touch screens featuring 360 degree views of the Chicago Skyline, historic architecture and Lake Michigan, along with an interactive, educational experience curated by the official mascot, Seemore Miles. This new, user-friendly multimedia tour is free of charge for any guest entering with an admission ticket.
The screens have been strategically placed to provide visitors with multi-touch software; enabling guests to view the city and learn about highlighted hot spots, allowing each visitor to zero in on their favorite buildings and points of interest with the touch of a finger. These interactive touch screens integrate into seven different languages and offer the highest definition views as seen from the 94th floor during both day and night. This even offers the opportunity to see the city panoramically, even when the weather is inclement.
Eight additional info kiosks lead visitors on a sequential educational experience hosted by an animated Seemore Miles. The kiosks are organized as a treasure hunt, where the public is invited to discover one station after the next, answering challenges along the way and receiving a score at the end – even qualifying for the chance to enter the Hall of Fame. Seemore Miles entertains guests in seven languages. The first seven monitors welcome guests to answer trivia, play games, learn about city landmarks, and discover architecture all through touch screen navigation. The tour commences at the eighth and final screen, where the guest poses to create a customized electronic postcard with a choice of six different background city images. Guests may receive their e-postcard via email or by “liking” John Hancock Observatory on Facebook.
Not only will visitors find unbeatable views of the city when traveling up to the 94th floor of the Observatory, but now, an education component to match awaits. Guests at this top Chicago attraction have the opportunity to gaze upon their favorite views and easily, and most importantly, interactively, learn about the sights – from every angle imaginable.
Montparnasse 56 Group, a global leader in observation deck management, has acquired Chicago's 1,030-foot-high John Hancock Observatory, a venue universally acknowledged to offer the best and most panoramic view of the city and its environs.
The prominent observation deck is located at 875 North Michigan Avenue on the 94th floor of John Hancock Center, America's sixth-tallest building. The Observatory, situated on Chicago's famed Magnificent Mile, offers an 80-mile, 360-degree, four-state view of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin.
The Paris-based Montparnasse 56 Group attracts more than 2.5 million visitor to its three European tourism sites annually.
The company has been evaluating growth opportunities associated with a number of major attractions and tourism venues in the United States and elsewhere around the world.
"After a history of successful operations and growth in Europe, Montparnasse is pursuing a strategic expansion initiative," said Patrick Abisseror, CEO of Montparnasse 56 Group. "We are aiming to acquire and operate exceptional sites both here and abroad, and maximize these venues' potential as world-class destinations."
"Supported by superbly qualified operating and consulting teams," said Eric J. Deutsch, head of US operations for Montparnasse 56 Group, "Montparnasse is ideally equipped to ensure the long-term success of John Hancock Observatory as a tourism venue and as a thriving business.
"A well-managed observation deck contributes significantly to the image and global standing of a great city," he said. "Moreover, successful observatories that attract large contingents of national and overseas guests deliver major economic development benefits. Montparnasse 56 Group has the practical experience and know-how to achieve these valuable goals."
"We at GNMAA are delighted to welcome such an experienced and accomplished attractions operator to The Magnificent Mile," said John Chickow, President and CEO of the Greater North Michigan Avenue Association in Chicago. "Montparnasse 56 Group's proven approach to international tourism is not only going to elevate the Observatory as a renowned tourist attraction, but it will also add to the evolving world-class reputation of The Magnificent Mile and Chicago as a whole. Their global sales offices m
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