Artechouse, the arts space known for immersing visitors in otherworldly experiences — massive abstract projections and fields of multicolored cherry blossoms — is taking on a new destination: the cosmos.
The space’s new exhibit, “Beyond the Light,” which is being staged in Washington after a successful run in New York City, was developed with NASA astrophysicists and other experts to showcase the artistic beauty of space using light as a guide through the universe.
I ventured to the galaxy far, far away for an early preview of this brightly colored wonderland. It’s more than flashing lights and shooting stars. The exhibit is an exercise in understanding just how far light can take us. Here’s what you should know before you go.
What it is: “Beyond the Light” splashes the latest images from the Hubble and James Webb space telescopes onto a 270-degree projection canvas for visitors to explore in vividly eye-catching detail. Guests of all ages will go on a 26-minute journey to “put you at the center of the creation of the universe,” as astrophysicist Macarena García Marín told me, and ponder what we have yet to see. “Beyond the Light” highlights well-known images, such as Cassiopeia A and Stephan’s Quintet. But the exhibit zhushes up the photos with dramatic music, bursts of color and abstract depictions of the technology that led NASA to the heavens.
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What it’s like: The exhibit’s main room is a social media content creator’s dream. Tripods were mounted, and some guests patiently waited to pose in the exact same aesthetically pleasing spot. No two photos are the same, making for a trove of custom mementos. If you’re more of an observer, Artechouse offers seat cushions for guests to sit on the floor and take in the big screen. “Beyond the Light” can be as personal or communal as you want it to be. It features six additional installations that put guests even deeper in space. Step inside the Mission Control room and marvel at classic images from NASA’s earliest space explorations. Across the hall, take in the craters and luminescence of the “Lunar Oscilla,” an artistic rendering of the Earth’s moon. Instead of exploring alien life on Mars, you can select remote-controlled rovers to uncover how these devices actually dream — with help from artificial intelligence. Guests are encouraged to download the Artechouse mobile app to learn about NASA’s aerospace engineering tools.
What I liked: The original music created from galactic data is hypnotic and soothing — just the thing for an evening of stargazing. I was captivated by the cinematic light show, when my friend, a former NASA datanaut, recognized the peaks and valleys of the Webb’s Cosmic Cliffs and the breathtaking Pillars of Creation. Suffice it to say, the exhibit can keep both an artist and a scientist engaged in the endless allure of the mysteries of the universe. But perhaps Artechouse founder Sandro Kereselidze put it best: “Technology is a bridge between these two worlds. Science and art are together as one.”
Insider tip: If you have epilepsy or get motion sick, take “one small step” at a time. The main screen flashes, flickers and projects moving images on the ground, making you feel like you’re in space or getting an oncoming stomachache. The XR Bar will keep you hydrated with water or an intergalactic cocktail with names like Star Dust and Pandora Cluster.
“Beyond the Light” will run through late fall. Artechouse is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets: $17-$36. D.C. residents get $5 off tickets Monday through Friday by showing proof of residency. 1238 Maryland Ave. SW. artechouse.com.
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