On the 130th anniversary of the devastating 1895 earthquake in Ljubljana, the National and University Library of Slovenia (NUK) launched a unique multimedia event exploring how artificial intelligence can enrich public engagement with historical events. Using AI-based image processing and animation techniques, the project brought to life archival photographs by Wilhelm Helfer and other 19th-century photographers. These were transformed into vivid, dynamic video sequences that re imagine the aftermath of the earthquake in motion and colour.

The video is part of a dedicated web page that also hosts the core of a new digital assistant developed by NUK. Trained on curated historical sources, the assistant answers questions about the 1895 earthquake, serving as an accessible, interactive extension of the library’s knowledge base for educators, students, researchers, and the broader public.

This initiative showcases the emerging potential of AI in the cultural heritage sector—as a powerful medium for storytelling, education, and emotional connection. It encourages reflection on the fragility of urban landscapes and the resilience of communities.

The digital event, presented at a press conference, was covered by all major Slovenian TV stations and news outlets, with the video reaching over 1,500 views within just a few hours. The event earned the library a nomination for ‘Ime tedna’ (Name of the Week) by Val 202, one of the most listened-to radio stations in Slovenia.

Link to the web page: https://www.dlib.si/static/earthquake/earthquake.html