What do a giant shark, a butterfly and a walrus have in common? They’re all part of our latest project!

We've been working with the Horniman Museum and Gardens to develop a unique, web-based augmented reality trail that enhances the visitor experience and welcomes broader audiences to one of south London’s most loved cultural spaces.

Animals Everywhere! is a free, family‑friendly and fun interactive journey through the Horniman’s 16 acres of gardens, with a cast of 3D animated creatures to meet as you explore.

From feeding the famous Horniman walrus to discovering a giant Megalodon or spotting Blue Morpho butterflies, the trail brings favourites from the Horniman’s natural history, local wildlife and living collections into playful digital life.

Fully web-based and universally accessible on mobile devices, the trail has been designed to be experienced with minimal barriers. There are no downloads or fees to play; just scan a code to start playing.

As visitors discover hidden animals and complete mini-games, they can win badges and climb the leaderboard, all designed to encourage a love of the natural world.

The experience is due to launch in late Spring 2026 as part of the Horniman’s transformational Nature + Love project, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Connie Churcher, Digital Manager at the Horniman, says: "We are excited to be working with Smartify on this innovative experience. Animals Everywhere! will be a great addition to a free, family day out at the Horniman, sitting alongside new family-friendly areas opening in the Gardens in 2026. We’re especially proud as the idea has been driven by what south London audiences have told us they want and expect from the Horniman, and the trail has tested with them throughout its development."

Thanos Kokkiniotis, CEO of Smartify, says: "It’s fantastic to see cultural institutions like the Horniman pushing the envelope of what immersive digital experiences can look like, and being willing to invest in them. With web-based XR, we’re making these experiences instantly accessible to everyone — no downloads, no barriers. What makes this project so special is the partnership with the Horniman team and the way it has been shaped through deep research and audience testing. The result is a thoughtful and fun experience that brings visitors closer to nature while they play and explore."

Stuart McLeod, Director of London and South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, also shared his support: "Animals Everywhere! is a fantastic example of how technology can reduce barriers and inspire curiosity and engagement with our natural heritage. The Horniman offers a fantastic urban green space and this, alongside the wider Nature + Love project, will transform how visitors connect with nature and the heritage on their doorstep."

Animals Everywhere! has been made possible by support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, as part of the Horniman’s Nature + Love project.