Venice: A Renaissance Story

Join Robert Langdon, Harvard Symbologist, on a scavenger hunt quest through the streets and canals of modern Venice to uncover a cryptic secret relating to the development of the city.

When tasked to outline a Venetian-themed land, Universal Creative looked for additional stories to tie to this distinctive land. Although the focus was on "spies", there is so much more to this millennia-old city than a backdrop for Bond and Bourne. Thus, Universal Creative set out to look for unique storytelling possibilities within this distinct city environment. When it became clear Universal would partner with Sony to develop a James Bond attraction, Universal Creative sought after another successful film IP: the Robert Langdon series, films based on the book series by Dan Brown.

Starring Tom Hanks, each film relates to the history of a culturally significant city: Paris & London in the Da Vinci Code (2006), Rome in Angels and Demons (2009), and Florence in the upcoming Inferno. An idea was made to develop an interactive scavenger quest around the land, mirroring Langdon's journey around historical landmarks to uncover a certain secret. What is this secret? You'll have to find out yourself.

Every 15 minutes, the doors to the St. Mark's Basilica open, and all guests interested in beginning their journey walk into the main atrium. We are given walkie-talkies and wait in the central space. There, a vintage TV blinks alive, showing Professor Langdon. He thanks us for receiving his call for assistance so quickly, and promises that if what he believes is true, our findings together will be more than worth the minor inconvenience.

Renaissance History was a contentious period between new schools of liberal thought and longstanding conservative ones. These divides became especially relevant in Venice, a republic, where those of nobility could vote and influence public opinion. Langdon has found clues around the city hinting towards the presence of a secret society in Venice that during the Renaissance influenced the republican government in their favor, and all points to some hidden chamber in the St. Mark's Basilica. He needs our help finding it.

To continue the scavenger hunt, find St. Mark's Basilica on this page, and click on it.