Stepping inside history to preserve our heritage for the future
At Shapescape, we have always believed in the power of Minecraft to educate, inspire, and connect. Our latest project, Peter is Here: AI for Cultural Heritage, is an opportunity to take that belief further than ever before. In collaboration with the Fabbrica di San Pietro, Microsoft, and Minecraft Education, we have developed an immersive experience that allows students worldwide to explore and restore one of the most iconic religious and cultural landmarks in history—St. Peter’s Basilica.
A Digital Restoration Journey
Our team worked closely with historical experts and conservators at the Vatican to recreate St. Peter’s Basilica within Minecraft Education. Every block, every mosaic pattern, and every architectural detail was designed with precision and care. Players step into the shoes of a Sanpietrino, the skilled artisans responsible for preserving the Basilica. Their task? Use AI-powered tools to scan, restore, and document damaged areas, bringing the site’s rich history back to life.
From exploring the Vatican Obelisk to restoring the Baldachin and uncovering the secrets of St. Peter’s Tomb, students navigate 2,000 years of architectural evolution. Guided by NPCs modeled after real-life Vatican experts, they engage in challenges that merge history, technology, and problem-solving in a way that only Minecraft can deliver.
Our developers relied on AI-enhanced photogrammetry data to ensure accuracy while refining game mechanics that would allow players to engage meaningfully with their environment.
A new way to develop
Recreating a structure as vast and intricate as St. Peter’s Basilica was no small feat. Maintaining the scale and grandeur of the Basilica while working within the creative constraints of Minecraft’s block-based world required innovative design solutions.
Our developers relied on AI-enhanced photogrammetry data to ensure accuracy while refining game mechanics that would allow players to engage meaningfully with their environment. From crafting realistic marble mosaics to designing intuitive restoration tools, every element was carefully considered to balance authenticity with engaging gameplay.
Peter is Here is designed for students aged 8-18, providing a hands-on learning experience that blends art, history, and technology. Through interactive restoration tasks, historical narratives, and guided exploration, players gain a deeper appreciation for cultural preservation and the collaborative efforts needed to protect historical sites.
Working alongside Microsoft’s AI for Good Lab, Vatican historians, and educators from around the world, we ensured that the experience would be both historically accurate and accessible to a global audience. With availability in 27 languages, Peter is Here is set to reach millions of students, fostering a shared understanding of cultural heritage across borders.
Explore the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica, restore its masterpieces, and discover the stories hidden within its walls.
About Shapescape
Since 2013, Shapescape has been on a mission to revolutionize learning through play. We've partnered with universities, governments, and organizations like NASA and the BBC to create immersive educational experiences using Minecraft. Our international team brings a wealth of cultural experiences, fostering creativity and innovation in all our projects.
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