This June, the Horniman Museum and Gardens is marking its 125th anniversary with a bumper year of events and activities, and we’re proud that Smartify’s latest AR experience is part of the celebrations.

Launching as part of the new Kusuma Nature Play Area, Animals Everywhere! is a free, web-based augmented reality trail created by the Smartify team and designed to help families explore the Horniman’s Gardens in a playful new way.

Our most ambitious AR project yet

Developed in collaboration with the Horniman team, Animals Everywhere! is Smartify’s most ambitious AR project to date. The trail invites children to discover hidden animated animals, complete mini-games, collect badges and climb the leaderboard as they move through the space.

Visitors can meet favourites from the Horniman’s natural history, local wildlife and living collections, from the famous Horniman walrus to a giant Megalodon and Blue Morpho butterflies.

Web-based AR, with no downloads

The experience is fully web-based, meaning families can start playing instantly by scanning a code. There are no downloads, no fees and minimal barriers to entry, making the trail easy to access on visitors’ own mobile devices.

Designed to sit alongside the physical play area, the AR experience complements the Gardens rather than competing with them. It encourages families to look up, move around and connect with the natural world as they play.

Shaped by audiences

Animals Everywhere! has been developed as part of the Horniman’s wider Nature + Love project, which aims to inspire and foster a love of nature across the Museum and Gardens.

The experience has also been shaped through audience research and testing with Lewisham communities, ensuring it reflects what local visitors want from a family day out at the Horniman.

By combining play, storytelling and accessible WebXR technology, the Horniman and Smartify have created a digital experience that brings the Gardens to life. Helping the next generation explore, discover and care for the natural world.