If you just couldn’t get enough of Bristol Light Festival back in March then you’re in luck as the event organisers have got more in store by announcing the arrival of a fully accessible, multi-sensory pop-up. Known as the Luminarium, the magnificent inflatable installation will be situated at College Green and open to visitors between August 4 and 14, from 1-7pm daily.
Visitors are being invited to enter a world of wonder when the world-famous inflatable domes filled with natural light and colour visit the city this summer. Taking inspiration from natural forms, Islamic and Gothic cathedrals and modern architecture, the Luminarium is a sunlight-powered sensory experience featuring kaleidoscopic colours, domes, tunnels and pods.
An Instagrammers dream, this installation is truly designed for every member of the family and every age group. As a multi-sensory environment, it is also accessible for those with complex needs as well as wheelchair-users.
Set across one level, schools and organisations for children and adults with accessibility needs are being invited to visit the Luminarium experience in Bristol with quieter sessions available. The free-to-enter and inflatable walk-in art experience, half the size of a football pitch, has travelled with other luminaria across 43 countries, hosting a total of more than 3 million visitors since being created by Alan Parkinson, designer and founder of Architects of Air (AoA), in 1992.
Alan Parkinson said: “We grew Architects of Air from a theatre project for people with learning disabilities. Inclusivity has remained at the heart of the work we do with each exhibition of Luminarium. It embraces all ages, all abilities, all cultures and communities.
“The residency at College Green this summer will be the first time a Luminarium has visited Bristol in 21 years and we can’t wait to see how people interact with the experience – it’s a truly unique response from each visitor.”
Bristol City Centre BID will also be programming the experience with sessions from Bristol creatives to include music, poetry and even some yoga, as well as outreaching to communities across Bristol to invite them to enjoy this unique free experience.
Luminarium by Architects of Air is presented by Bristol Light Festival, delivered by Bristol City Centre BID, and supported by Arts Council England. Tickets are free for all and can be booked online in advance, with walk-ups also available. Find out more about the Luminarium on Bristol Light Festival’s website.