CINCINNATI – The Architects of Air luminarium at Washington Park is a must-see.
The luminarium opened Thursday as part of BLINK, Cincinnati's new four-day arts and light festival. The 20-block festival will light up Cincinnati from 7 p.m. to midnight Thursday-Sunday with multiple art installations, murals and light projections, but the luminarium is open 10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. daily through Sunday.
Here is why you should run, not walk, to experience Architects of Air.
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Think of it as a giant, inflatable spaceship that transports visitors to an alien landscape by using changing lights and ambient sound. (The best part is the trip costs only $5.)
If the 360-degree image below from inside the luminarium doesn't display properly for you, tap here.
The luminarium is made of a soft, plastic material that is kept inflated by balancing inside and outside air pressure.
There is actually a two-door "airlock" staging area visitors must pass through to get into the exhibit. Groups of about 20 people are admitted into the luminarium at a time.
Visitors also must take off their shoes to prevent damaging the luminarium. So, wear clean socks.
Luminarium volunteers recommend spending about 20 minutes walking through the exhibit. Those volunteers also will be inside to answer questions and guide guests through the structure. (Warning: The ever-changing colors that paint walls and ceilings can be a bit disorienting.)
Also, make sure to charge your smartphone and be ready to take a lot of pictures. Photography is more than welcomed by the Architects of Air. They recommend turning your camera flash off to snap the best photos possible.
