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Imagine a world where avant-garde art and amusement intertwine—where guests navigate a Roy Lichtenstein glass maze, revel in Philip Glass’s music, and delve into a kaleidoscopic Salvador Dalí dome. This vivid and surreal experience was once reality at Luna Luna, an amusement park that operated in Hamburg, Germany, in 1987.
Luna Luna was the imaginative creation of André Heller, a multi-talented Viennese artist and entertainer. He brought together around 30 distinguished and unconventional artists to devise fantastical attractions that blurred the lines between art and leisure.
This creative venture saw over 300,000 thrilled visitors during its brief three-month duration. However, plans for a potential world tour were stymied by logistical challenges, leading to the disassembly and storage of the artworks in shipping containers, with some languishing in a Texas desert for nearly 15 years.
Now, thanks to a collaboration between art aficionados and notable figures including Drake, the remnants of this whimsical park have resurfaced. The immersive works are on display at The Shed in New York City, reviving a vibrant spirit reflective of a bygone era that’s more relevant now than ever.
Through January and February, the exhibition Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy offers an immersive experience that doubles as a museum showcase. The attractions have been carefully reconstructed, remarkably without user manuals, bringing back an exciting piece of art history.
The exhibit is infused with a palpable enthusiasm, evidenced by the frenetic buzz on social media since its opening on November 20. On arrival at Hudson Yards, the excited chatter and laughter from departing guests were infectious, with many leaving clutching blue shopping bags filled with souvenirs.
As I ventured inside, I was instantly transported into a fantastical realm. A carousel adorned with Keith Haring’s signature figures greeted me, and as I wandered further, the stresses of the outside world faded, replaced by an enchanting atmosphere where creativity reigned supreme.
What particularly caught my attention was the diversity of attendees, featuring everyone from older couples to Gen Z groups and families, along with various locals and visitors. This cross-generational crowd underscored the universal joy that art and play can evoke.
Among the highlights was the mesmerizing experience within Roy Lichtenstein’s glass maze, known as the Luna Luna Pavilion. The pavilion, decorated in Lichtenstein’s iconic pop-art style, features a labyrinth of 75 glass panels that challenge guests to navigate through its disorienting paths.
Perspective Shifts in Roy Lichtenstein’s Glass Maze
Upon entering, I was surrounded by vibrant colors and patterns that playfully distorted my sense of direction. With my hands outstretched, I navigated the maze, encountering other visitors headed in the same bewildered direction, leading to spontaneous interactions filled with laughter.
The entire experience was punctuated by the soundscape of Philip Glass, perfectly complementing the visual aesthetics of the maze. Heller even playfully acknowledged the idea of a “glass maze” aligning with the composer’s name.
Reflective Color Bath with Salvador Dalí
Next, I encountered a striking installation reminiscent of Dalí’s style—Dalidom, a hypnotic space filled with mirrors angled in myriad directions. This artwork, created in collaboration with Dalí’s agent, was inspired by projections from the late artist’s mind just two years before his death.
Within this geodesic dome, an array of colors shifted seamlessly through the spectrum, altering the ambiance with each passing moment. Enhanced by echoing Gregorian chants, the space offered a unique introspection and escape into another dimension.
Witness Love of Every Kind in André Heller’s Chapel
In the heart of the exhibition lies Heller’s Wedding Chapel, a whimsical installation that challenges the norms of love and commitment. Here, a faux officiant invites guests to participate in mock weddings, allowing couples to celebrate their bonds amidst playful cheers from others in attendance.
This space was designed to symbolize inclusivity—Heller intended for every type of love to be recognized. During my visit, I witnessed a variety of mock ceremonies, from traditional pairings to eccentric displays like a photographer marrying their camera, reminding us that love is boundless.
Spins of Whimsy with Jean-Michael Basquiat and Kenny Scharf
While some rides remain too fragile for guests, they come alive through multimedia presentations that blend light, sound, and imagery. The Ferris wheel inspired by Jean-Michel Basquiat featured social justice themes, contrasting starkly with Kenny Scharf’s playful, cartoonish swing ride.
Additionally, Haring’s vibrant carousel along with another from Arik Brauer encapsulated fantastical narratives that delighted attendees.
Close Encounters of the Puppetry Kind
Adding another layer of magic to the exhibit is Poncili Creación, a puppetry troupe that injects spontaneity into the atmosphere. Their oversized puppets roamed the space, surprising guests and creating moments of joy and laughter, interspersed with graceful dance sequences that complemented the artwork.
A dedicated play area for younger visitors featured large soft sculptures inspired by the puppets, inviting creative play and photo opportunities, ensuring all attendees left with tangible memories of their experience.
Fluttering Above at the Butterfly Bar
Before exiting, I explored the Luna Luna Butterfly Bar, where carnival favorites like cotton candy and giant pretzels awaited guests. This elevated vantage point offered a new perspective on the vibrant exhibit below, echoing the extraordinary transformation of the art pieces from forgotten relics to celebrated installations.
This imaginative reawakening begs the question: what other artistic treasures remain undiscovered, waiting for their moment in the spotlight?
Ready to go? Timed entrance tickets to Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy start at $44 for adults and $25 for children ages 3 to 16, before fees.
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