The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County will present “theBlu: An Underwater VR Experience,” a virtual reality series that allows audiences to explore the ocean through different habitats and come face-to-face with some of its inhabitants, through April 28.

(photo courtesy of the Natural History Museum Los Angeles)

The VR series was created by Wevr, a Venice, California-based VR studio.

Highlights of the three environments in the six-minute experience include an encounter with an 80-foot blue whale as it swims past a sunken ship; a magnificent undersea migration on the edge of a shallow coral reef, with turtles and swarms of jellyfish gliding by and colorful anemones reacting to the guest’s touch; and a deep dive into an iridescent abyss, where hidden creatures including angler fish and squid appear with the use of a virtual flashlight.

“The museum has integrated technology and multi-media into our newer exhibits and is now exploring ways to enhance digital engagement with the natural world. This iconic deep dive VR experience from Wevr brings us to a new level of interactivity – and our visitors come along for the ride,” said Dr. Lori Bettison-Varga, NHMLA Director and President. “Engaging and inspiring visitors is what we do – and ‘theBlu’ … is beautiful, powerful storytelling. It would not surprise me if the next generation of marine biologists – and VR developers – are inspired by this exhibit.”

The experience is directed by Jake Rowell (“Call of Duty,” “Final Fantasy,” “Superman Returns”). Wevr’s team consulted with museum scientists during the making of “theBlu” to help inform the creative process.

“Here’s what it’s like, from someone who has done a lot of scuba diving: It’s cool to see all those plants and animals, and not be underwater and cold – especially the deep-sea chapter, where you couldn’t even dive in real life,” said Dr. Chris Thacker, NHMLA Fish Curator. “It’s incredible to see all the animals up close, particularly the whale and the turtle, and interact with jellyfish and see how they respond. The experience is scientifically accurate and does a good job of replicating what it’s like underwater, but you’re just standing there, warm and dry.”

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is located at 900 Exposition Blvd. For information, visit nhm.org.