Assassin’s Creed Mirage partners with Shangri La museum for historic exhibit

Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed Mirage has joined forces with the Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture and Design, part of the Doris Duke Foundation in Honolulu, Hawaii, to present a new exhibition titled "Artifacts In Play with Assassin's Creed Mirage".

Running through to August 30, the exhibit explores the fusion of gaming, history, and art by showcasing authentic artefacts featured in the game's History of Baghdad segment, according to Ubisoft, reports BSS

Two notable objects on display are the blown glass jar with trailed zigzag decoration and the twelve-sided bronze mortar with animal finials and vegetal motif panels.

Both artefacts are central to Assassin's Creed Mirage's Codex—a curated educational feature offering in-depth insights into life during the Abbasid Caliphate. The museum's collaboration with Ubisoft highlights how video games can serve as dynamic platforms for historical education and cultural preservation.

"The inclusion of Shangri La's two remarkable artifacts in Mirage was essential in our effort to bring the rich history behind our game to life through the Codex, an educational portal which offers players expertly curated insights into the history, art and culture of 9th century Baghdad," said Raphaël Weyland, Lead Ubisoft Historian on AC Mirage.

He added that the beautifully crafted mortar helped them illustrate the development of peer-reviewed research---an important step toward the modern Scientific Method---while the exquisite glass jar served as a testament to the incredible skill of bazaar artisans. "We are grateful for the opportunity to share these historical treasures with millions of players."

Visitors to the exhibition can explore how these items were digitally integrated into the game and discover the rigorous development process that allowed Ubisoft Bordeaux to recreate the historical setting of ninth-century Baghdad. The exhibit also features interactive digital installations and exclusive behind-the-scenes insights into the game's creation.

"Through this valuable partnership with Ubisoft, this exhibition demonstrates how art, history, and technology can intersect to create meaningful cultural experiences," said Ben Weitz, Executive Director at Shangri La. "We are grateful for collaborations of this calibre that allow Shangri La to continue to push the envelope and connect diverse audiences through real-world storytelling in an increasingly digital age."