The Derry Girls Experience
The Derry Girls Experience is a temporary, immersive exhibition created for Derry City and Strabane District Council at the Tower Museum in 2023. EPIC designed the experience to engage fans of the popular TV show by recreating iconic sets while weaving in the political and social backdrop of 1990s Northern Ireland.
IDI AWARD 2023 WINNER | TRIPADVISOR TRAVELERS' CHOICE 2023
An excellent set of experiences that tied together so well. Good consideration of language and hearing barriers. Really strong execution with everything clearly done to the highest standards and with a premium experience for visitors in mind
IDI Judges’ Thoughts
Visitors begin their journey with an introduction to Derry Girls and its creator, Lisa McGee. Our challenge was to immerse visitors from the outset, which we achieved by recreating the Quinn household with screen-used props and set pieces. This allowed visitors to step into the show’s world, making the experience personal and nostalgic. Through interactive exhibits, including Erin Quinn’s augmented reality (AR) bedroom and Sr. Michael’s office, visitors can explore key character spaces and connect with the show on a deeper level.
As visitors move through the exhibition, they are introduced to the show's characters and gain insights into the political environment of 1990s Northern Ireland, a significant element of Derry Girls. One of our key challenges was maintaining the show’s lighthearted tone while addressing these deeper historical themes. We did this through multimedia elements, including a Derry-native narrated audio guide, set against a 1990s soundtrack, adding both depth and entertainment to the experience. Interactive touchpoints, like a digital quiz and a map of significant landmarks, further enhance visitor engagement, appealing to a wide age range.
Video Showcase
EPIC integrated digital technology to heighten the visitor experience. Augmented Reality exhibits, which allow visitors to explore Erin’s bedroom and Sr. Michael’s office in CGI 360 environments, brought new levels of immersion. The challenge was to balance physical sets with digital engagement, ensuring the technology-enhanced rather than overshadowed the physical elements. Visitors could also download an audio guide to their own devices, providing additional insights and information, making the exhibition accessible and layered without overwhelming visitors.
We worked closely with stakeholders to establish a cohesive narrative and visitor flow, ensuring visitors had a clear, enjoyable experience. Visitors are offered multiple opportunities for social sharing, including trying on screen-used costumes and sitting in iconic settings from the show. This multi-touchpoint approach creates a fully connected visitor experience, which both surprises and delights fans of the show. Through careful planning, collaboration with 3D artists, and script development for both print and digital media, EPIC delivered a dynamic exhibition that appealed to diverse audiences and reflected the spirit of Derry Girls.