Imagine witnessing Bob Marley making magic in the studio. That dream has been turned into a virtual reality for visitors at Bob Marley Museum following the introduction of a new digital feature at the Kingston landmark.

Journalists were given an exclusive preview of the holographic experience during the 80th birthday celebration of the late king of reggae on Thursday.

It allows visitors a chance to go back in time with Marley in the studio through a holographic teaser. The demo was accompanied by smoke and sound effects to give attendees a realistic experience.

Attendees also got the opportunity during the tour to feast their eyes on an art exhibition inspired by Marley that was created by French street artist Mister Brainwash. There was also a Rastafarian and ganja exhibit which explored Marley’s connection to the religion and the herb.

Patrons, both local and foreign, gathered at 56 Hope Road to partake in the day’s festivities, which included live performances, a kids’ village, storytelling by Amina Blackwood Meeks, and the Rox in Sox Festival with Aaron Nigel Smith.

Tour guide Ricky Chaplain said the large turnout at the museum showed that Marley, who died May 11, 1981 at age 36, “is a prophet” in his own right.

“Bob Marley not only came and sang, he broke barriers, he removed barriers, and opened gates for a lot of people, and Rastafarians, even on this property,” Chaplain said.

Sister Talibah, a patron of the Rastafari community, also shared in the momentous occasion.

“I am giving thanks for Bob Marley’s effort that he built before so that we could be here. In my heart, I am apologising for the bad way he was treated when he was alive as a Rastaman, but to see he persevered and did what he had to do so that now people coming from all over the world, the Government, everyone is bigging him up, it just shows the power of Ratstafari,” Sister Talibah said.