News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Cumberland Caverns set to unveil a new cinematic display inside the cave system to immerse people in the history of the landmark.
General Manager Nicole Ridlen said the showcase projects videos onto the walls and ceilings of the cave that tell the story of the cave’s discovery and exploration. Ridlen said it is important that they tell the story of the cave in an exciting way that all age groups can enjoy.
“There’s surround sound so it actually sounds like things are moving around you even though they aren’t,” Ridlen said. “And with the video projection we’re actually able to tell the story in more than just words. You can actually see bats. You can see how Aaron Higgenbotham explored the cave with a torch and his light going out and being surrounded in darkness.”
Ridlen said they hope the display will bring new and returning customers to the cave as it as a whole different way to experience the caverns. Ridlen said they are having a ribbon cutting on Thursday where local officials and the tourism board will celebrate the addition.
“This is an invitation only event,” Ridlen said. “But that new experience in on the new walking tours. So anyone that books a walking tour, either the Discovery or the Hidden Gems, is going to experience this brand new cinematic showcase.”
Ridlen said the new experience will allow people to not only hear the stories of the cave, but truly feel them.
“And of course just give those stories of our founding the justice it deserves,” Ridlen said. “Telling it the way it actually happened and giving more detail to those stories.”
Ridlen said they used to have a much simpler light show in that section of the cave with an audio clip and lights that turned on and off with the music or story that was playing.
“We really just wanted to elevate that to the next level, bring it into the twenty-first century, and give those stories of our exploration and disovery the, really drama that it deserves,” Ridlen said.
