Souvenir Idea For
Museum of the Moving Image
The Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria, Queens, is America's premier institution dedicated to the art, history, and technology of film, television, and digital media. Located in a historic building that once housed Paramount Pictures' East Coast studio, this innovative museum features over 130,000 artifacts including vintage cameras, costumes, and behind-the-scenes materials. Interactive exhibits allow visitors to create their own animations, add sound effects to movie scenes, and explore the evolution of media technology from early cinema to modern streaming. With engaging galleries showcasing everything from classic Hollywood memorabilia to cutting-edge video game design, the museum offers an immersive journey through the moving image's cultural impact and technological innovation.
Your Interactive Digital Journey with Smart Souvenir Coins
Six Featured Exhibits with AR Guide Experience
Behind the Screen
Scan the custom AR souvenir coin at this core exhibition to unlock immersive 3D models of historic cameras and projectors. Watch virtual demonstrations of how early filmmakers created special effects, and explore interactive timelines showing the evolution of cinema technology from the 1890s to today's digital revolution.
The Jim Henson Exhibition
Use your NFC souvenir coin to activate AR content featuring beloved Muppet characters appearing alongside you. Access exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of puppet construction, view 3D models of original Muppet designs, and learn about Henson's innovative techniques through interactive AR demonstrations that bring his creative process to life.
Video Game Interactive
Tap your interactive AR coin to unlock virtual game controllers from different eras floating in 3D space. Access detailed histories of gaming technology, watch AR recreations of classic game development processes, and collect digital badges showcasing the evolution from arcade cabinets to modern console gaming systems.
Sound & Music Studio
Scan your custom souvenir coin to launch an AR guide service that visualizes sound waves and music composition techniques. Experience virtual demonstrations of Foley artistry, unlock 3D representations of historic microphones and recording equipment, and access interactive tutorials on creating movie soundtracks and sound effects.
Makeup & Costumes Gallery
Your smart coin activates AR experiences showing iconic movie costumes in 360-degree detail. View transformation sequences of famous makeup effects, access virtual try-on features with classic Hollywood looks, and unlock exclusive interviews with costume designers and makeup artists explaining their creative processes through augmented reality overlays.
Special Effects Laboratory
Use your NFC-enabled interactive coin to activate AR demonstrations of groundbreaking special effects techniques. Watch virtual recreations of miniature set construction, see how CGI transforms green screen footage, and unlock step-by-step AR tutorials showing how iconic movie scenes were created using both practical and digital effects.
Where to Get Your Smart Souvenir Coins
- Museum Entrance Desk: Purchase your arTag™ Smart Souvenir coin kit upon arrival, conveniently located at the main admission counter alongside ticket purchases.
- Moving Image Store: The museum's gift shop on the first floor offers a dedicated display of custom coins and interactive souvenir options with expert staff to explain the AR guide service features.
- Premium Membership Package: Annual members receive complimentary NFC souvenir coins as part of their membership benefits, with unlimited access to all AR content updates throughout the year.
- Online Pre-Order: Reserve your custom AR souvenir coin through the museum's website before your visit and collect it at the will-call counter for immediate activation and use.
How to Use Your Interactive AR Coin
Step 1: Activate Your Coin
Tap the NFC sticker on your smart souvenir coin with your smartphone or scan the QR code. No app download required—the WebAR experience launches instantly in your browser. Scratch off and enter your unique activation code to unlock full access to the interactive AR guide service.
Step 2: Personalize Your Experience
Create your account through the WebAR interface to save your progress. Assemble your custom coin kit as a pocket token, fridge magnet, or keychain accessory—your NFC technology works in any configuration you choose for convenient scanning throughout your visit.
Step 3: Scan & Collect AR Content
As you explore the museum, scan designated markers at the six featured exhibits using your phone's camera through the WebAR application. Each scan unlocks exclusive AR content, 3D models, virtual guides, and interactive experiences that enhance your understanding of moving image history and technology.
Step 4: Revisit Anytime, Anywhere
Your smart coin becomes a permanent gateway to your digital collection. Tap it anytime after your visit to re-experience the AR content, share highlights on social media, access updated exhibitions, and continue your journey through the world of moving images from anywhere in the world.
Benefits of Smart Souvenir Coins for Museum of the Moving Image
Premium Revenue Stream
These custom coins offer exceptional profit margins as high-value souvenirs. The combination of physical collectibility and digital technology justifies premium pricing while providing visitors with lasting value. The interactive AR guide service transforms a simple souvenir into an ongoing engagement platform that visitors perceive as worth the investment.
Extended Visitor Engagement
NFC souvenir coins keep visitors connected to the museum long after they leave. The WebAR platform enables ongoing content updates, special exhibition announcements, and exclusive behind-the-scenes material. This sustained digital relationship increases likelihood of return visits, membership conversions, and word-of-mouth referrals to friends and family.
Social Media Amplification
The interactive AR coin experience encourages visitors to share their augmented reality discoveries on social platforms. The WebAR interface includes built-in social sharing features linking directly to the museum's official accounts, dramatically expanding organic reach, building follower base, and creating authentic user-generated marketing content that attracts new visitors.
Enhanced Educational Value
Smart souvenir coins with AR guide service transform passive viewing into active learning. The layered digital content provides deeper context about film history and media technology than traditional placards alone. Students and educators particularly value the ability to revisit educational AR content for classroom discussions and research projects long after the museum visit.
Valuable Visitor Analytics
The NFC technology and WebAR platform collect anonymous engagement data showing which exhibits generate most interest, how long visitors spend with AR content, and which features drive social sharing. These insights inform future exhibition planning, content strategy, and marketing campaigns while measuring ROI on specific installations and programs.
Distinctive Brand Experience
Custom AR souvenir coins position the Museum of the Moving Image as an innovative leader in visitor experience technology. The interactive coins demonstrate the museum's commitment to merging traditional curation with cutting-edge digital experiences—perfectly aligned with its mission of exploring the art and technology of moving images across all eras.
Transform Your Museum Experience with Smart Souvenir Technology
Ready to implement interactive AR coins and NFC souvenir technology at your cultural institution? Discover how custom coins with AR guide service can increase revenue, enhance visitor engagement, and create lasting digital connections with your audience.
Get Started with arTag™ Smart Souvenirs