A Wharfedale Pro audio system was recently installed across all exhibition areas at The Dongting Lake Museum in Yueyang City, China, including its immersive underground “5D theatre”. Covering an expansive 50,864sqm, the museum showcases the history and biodiversity of Dongting Lake.
Conceived by Wharfedale Pro’s consultant Marko Jovanović and installed by integrator Minghe Group, the system is designed to deliver immersive-ready audio that complements the theatre’s array of visual mapping, water effects, moving machinery and lighting.
At the heart of the museum’s underground level is a 5D theatre, which spans 900sqm and accommodates approximately 200 guests. This space integrates motion, visual effects, and interactive environmental elements.
Changsha-based Minghe Group collaborated closely with Wharfedale Pro to handle the design, installation, and optimisation. The following system was deployed: 12 x WLA‑115 Hybrid Curvature Array elements; 8 x XLA‑118SUB subwoofers (2 clusters of 4 suspended above the theatre); 18 x WLA‑210XP Line Array elements and 6 x WLA‑210XSUB Dual 15in subs, dedicated to the six “moving rooms”.
Wharfedale Pro DP‑4100N and DP‑2200N Dante-enabled amplifiers supported the system.
Wharfedale Pro says the design team had to overcome several constraints. Although the ceiling was over 10m high, limitations were imposed by the need to maintain clear sightlines, restricting the length of the loudspeaker arrays. With the stage fully submerged in water during parts of the show and dry during others, all main and monitor loudspeakers had to be flown to prevent obstruction and damage.
Rigging space was at a premium amid numerous lights, projectors and moving props, so that each mount was carefully assessed, Wharfedale Pro said. Additionally, the theatre’s L-shaped audience area required a custom FOH loudspeaker configuration to ensure even coverage.
A museum representative commented: “Wharfedale Pro helped us turn sound into immersive storytelling. The result speaks for itself. People are staying longer and engaging more deeply with the exhibits thanks to the sound experience.” “
