A world-first AI experience is coming to a Kent castle as part of an immersive new exhibition.
Pilgrimage of Love: Eleanor of Castile will welcome visitors to Leeds Castle, near Maidstone, to follow the life of the 13th-century Queen of England and first female owner of the historic estate.
The interactive exhibition features innovative AI technology to bring the queen’s story to life, including giving guests a chance to converse with the medieval leader and find out more about her history.
The pilgrimage starts in the castle’s gloriette, built by Eleanor in 1278, and takes visitors through the ruler’s life, including her politically minded marriage to the king, her travels on military crusades, and her introduction of European culture to the English court.
The final part of the exhibition is a real-time audience with Eleanor, using groundbreaking technology to create an AI avatar of the queen.
Visitors will be able to interact with the avatar, which has been designed to represent Eleanor in the 1200s as accurately as possible, and ask questions as if she were really in the room.
“AI Queen Eleanor of Castile will offer an unparalleled opportunity to enhance visitor engagement at Leeds Castle,” says Sue Prichard, head curator at Leeds Castle. “Eleanor was a fascinating and influential figure, a champion of the arts and culture, and a successful businesswoman.
“She transformed Leeds Castle into a medieval fantasy, creating a home that was inspired by her own background and love of myths and legends. By merging cutting-edge AI technology with new research, we’re creating a unique, interactive experience that will captivate visitors and make history more accessible than ever before.”
The life-size AI queen, created in collaboration with SKC Games Studio, will be able to converse with guests in Spanish, English and French, the three languages she most likely spoke during her lifetime.
The exhibition is the first of its kind and aims to combine modern-day technology with historical stories to help visitors learn more about the castle’s rich heritage.
“This project represents a major leap forward in how AI can bring history to life,” adds Babita Devi from SKC Games Studio. “AI Queen Eleanor combines advanced AI technology with historical storytelling, allowing visitors to experience a dynamic, real-time interaction that feels deeply personal and immersive.
“Through her conversations, guests will be able to connect with history in ways never before possible, making this an exciting step for both cultural heritage and AI innovation.”
The exhibition opens on Monday, March 9 and will be available to view until Sunday, November 1. It is included with a standard entry ticket to Leeds Castle.
