Not content with being Bristol’s best cinema, Watershed launched its own immersive art gallery last year. Undershed continues to bring some of the most unique exhibitions in the city to Harbourside—including these giant robotic inflatables.
Today (August 7, 2025), Bristol’s very own Air Giants (who you may remember from Bristol Light Festival earlier this year) have taken over the whole space with the Hothouse Laboratory, which is full of friendly giant plants, light, sound and a lot of mystery.
Nobody knows where they came from, but they move and glow in response to human touch, with odd sounds echoing and lights flickering around the room. It’s up to you to investigate these 2m tall plants and decide for yourself what they really are.
Using evidence left from previous investigations—including a desk stacked with old papers, microscopes showing strange plant matter and machines for measuring unknown frequencies—answer the question: What are they and where did they come from?
“In a world dominated by screens, we’re excited about making work that allows touch and offers real physical interaction,” said Emma Powell, Creative Director, AirGiants. “Adding layers of light and sound to build an intriguing story world for audiences to discover…”
The Hothouse Laboratory is for anyone aged 1 to 101 and will run until Monday, September 1. Using inflatable structures integrated with robotic technology and light, the experience is estimated to take 30-45 mins, but you are free to explore for two hours. Cuddling is welcome.
Tickets are priced on a sliding scale, from £2 to £12 per person, and you can get yours here.