Tender documents obtained by the Otago Daily Times said the "audiovisual immersive visitor experience" was due to be ready for next year’s cruise season.
"This is a unique opportunity to partner with one of New Zealand’s leading and most dynamic interactive museums," the documents said.
"We need an experienced supplier who can work in partnership with the DCC, mana whenua and key stakeholders to produce a short, sophisticated introduction to Ōtepoti; enriching visitors’ understanding of the place, its inhabitants and their histories.
"The production will encourage audiences to be curious about exploring the city.
"We see this as an immersive experience, with rich layered visuals and with a dynamic aural soundscape, delivered in a purpose-built space, currently under construction, to be accessed from the Toitū foyer."
A detailed creative brief had been developed by museum staff and Aukaha Ltd, the consultancy representing mana whenua, the documents said.
It outlined "the key values, messages, look and feel and the guiding visual symbols and transition elements" for the project as well as "a detailed narrative outlining the proposed content and stories".
The project would be guided by the council’s commitment to making the museum "a place for mana whenua".
"This involves shifting our storytelling approach to include both mana whenua and settler perspectives, ensuring that mana whenua have the space to share their histories and perspectives on whakapapa, objects and events."
Tenders close next month.
Last year, the council confirmed it was developing an unused plant room behind the Toitū reception counter into a small theatrette, offering ticketed screenings to the public.
