Invented in Germany in the 1880s, a kaiserpanorama - also known as a 'photoplasticon' (fotoplastykon) - is essentially a large wood-paneled drum that displays stereoscopic photographs - 3D images created by merging two photos of the same subject taken at slightly different angles. Viewing stations with special lenses line the outside of the drum and the images rotate, creating a 3D slideshow. Although these precrusors to modern cinema were quickly made obsolete, there were an estimated 250 operating across Europe in the early-20th century. Today only a few have surivived, including one in Warsaw, and this handsome devil - the origins of which are murky, but is confirmed to be over 100 years old.
Located in the Arkadia building on Plac Wolności, this antique device allows viewers to experience the vintage magic of stereoscopic photography via regularly changing photographic galleries of both the modern and bygone world. Each full rotation of images lasts about 15 minutes and comes highly recommended.
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