All year long, discover the best of virtual reality and experience mk2 VR’s exclusive contents.
In partnership with BNP Paribas, mk2 VR, the first permanent space entirely devoted to virtual reality, opens its doors tomorrow, December 9th at 6:00 PM in Paris. After two years of research and development, and with an investment of 1.5 million euros, mk2 VR will be unveiled at the mk2 Bibliothèque movie theatre. This lively, interactive space covers 300 square meters (approx. 3300 sq.feet) and has joined forces with Le Perchoir – pioneers in Paris’ roof-top bar scene – which will open its new patio-bar : le perchoir mk2.
With content and experience including fiction, documentaries, video games, and simulations, mk2 VR offers an eclectic program that is faithful to the group’s editorial line. Exclusive content and sneak previews will be offered all year long.
"With over 100,000 visitors expected in 2017, the first mk2 VR will be the biggest virtual reality center in Europe. This is the first step for the mk2 group’s ambitious strategy in this new sector,” said Elisha Karmitz, CEO of mk2 group. “Virtual reality is a revolutionary medium and will radically change the way we view images and watch films. The DNA of the mk2 group is to be at the cutting edge of innovation and to defend a certain idea of creativity. With mk2 VR, we wanted to create a space that was both beautiful and optimal, that could showcase the best content in VR."
"As a major actor of the seventh art, and with a history of 100 years, positioning us in this domain as the reference among European banks, BNP Paribas - the bank for a changing world - is delighted to be the partner of mk2 for the opening of the first place entirely dedicated to virtual reality, in Europe. This partnership allows BNP Paribas to continue its commitment to sourcing emerging talents and offers over 1000 clients the possibility to discover this unique venue", says Bertrand Cizeau, BNP Paribas Group Head of Communications.
mk2 VR in brief:
• An interactive space spread over 300 square meters (3300 sq. ft.)
• In the heart of Paris’ “3.0 district” near the BNF François Mitterrand library and Halle Freyssinet, Europe’s biggest start-up campus, opening its doors soon
• 12 “VR pods” for individual experiences
• The latest technology, with HTC VIVE, PlayStation VR, Oculus Rift and MSi
• 1.5 million euros invested
• 100,000 visitors expected in 2017
As a thriving hub of culture and entertainment, mk2 VR will live to the rhythm of the exclusive contents and sneak previews revealed every Wednesday, all year long. VR experiences will include:
Birdly® by SOMNIACS: The best VR flight simulator, exclusively at mk2 VR.
Birdly is cutting-edge technology at its most thrilling. The goal of Birdly is simple: to make one of man’s craziest dreams come true. To fly.
“SOMNIACS is excited to team up with mk2 to create highclass VR experiences with and for Birdly. mk2 convinced us to team with them due to their fantastic track record. MK2 understands how to combine sophisticated story telling with innovative technology and strong design. Their full focus is always on the complete audience experience. That’s exactly what makes the difference between empty VR promises and real cultural impact…" Max Rheiner, Founder and CTO of SOMNIACS
An emblem of international art-house cinema, mk2 is a family business founded by Marin Karmitz in 1974, and now run by his sons Nathanaël and Elisha Karmitz. mk2 defends quality cinema, inventing interactive spaces, and creative discoveries. mk2 is also a staff of 400 people for 26 theatres throughout Europe. mk2 has always been at the cutting edge of technology, and on December 9th 2016, it opens the first space ever entirely dedicated to virtual reality, right in the heart of the mk2 Bibliothèque cinema.
BNP Paribas is a leading bank in Europe with an international reach. It has a presence in 74 countries, with more than 189,000 employees, including more than 146,000 in Europe. The Group has key positions in its three main activities: Domestic Markets and International Financial Services (whose retail-banking networks and financial services are covered by Retail Banking & Services) and Corporate & Institutional Banking, which serves two client franchises: corporate clients and institutional investors. The Group helps all its clients (individuals, community associations, entrepreneurs, SMEs, corporates and institutional clients) to realise their projects through solutions spanning financing, investment, savings and protection insurance. In Europe, the Group has four domestic markets (Belgium, France, Italy and Luxembourg) and BNP Paribas Personal Finance is the leader in consumer lending. BNP Paribas is rolling out its integrated retail-banking model in Mediterranean countries, in Turkey, in Eastern Europe and a large network in the western part of the United States. In its Corporate & Institutional Banking and International Financial Services activities, BNP Paribas also enjoys top positions in Europe, a strong presence in the Americas as well as a solid and fast-growing business in Asia-Pacific.