Luminarium
A walk-in immersive experience for all ages
Photo by John Owens
Overview
Step into a world-famous Luminarium created by Architects of Air – a fully accessible artwork inspired by nature and Islamic architecture.
A Luminarium is a spectacular walk-through artwork designed by artist Alan Parkinson. They are structures filled with luminous chambers, shifting colours and ambient sound, creating an immersive experience for people of all ages and abilities.
This event is free and fully accessible. Book online below or just show up.
Shoes must be removed before entering.
Luminarium is brought to you by Culture Within Newham, and created by Architects of Air. It is part of the Architects of Air Connexus Tour, funded by Arts Council England.
Programme
Family Steps Music Session (Multiple slots)
24 September | At 3.30pm, 4.30pm and 5.30pm
Drop-in, no booking required
'Threads of Home' VR Experience and Pop-Up Library
25 September | 3.00pm-6.00pm
Drop-in, no booking required
About the Luminarium
This particular Luminarium is called Arborialis, and takes its shape and colours from trees. It is designed to echo the feeling of being lost in a forest - inside you’ll find glowing leaf shapes, tall trunks, and a canopy of colour stretching overhead. At its heart sits the Main Dome, inspired by the domes found in mosques.
Luminarium Arborialis also plays a gentle nature inspired soundtrack, the Song of Danu, created by composer Dr Michael Morris.
Learn more about ‘Arborialis’ by Architects of Air.
Photo by John Owens
About the Architects of Air Connexus Tour
This summer, the Architects of Air Connexus Tour invites thousands of people across England to experience the wonder of light and colour.
The Connexus Tour will visit Boston, Barrow-in-Furness, Accrington and Newham, inviting up to 12,000 people to explore a Luminarium.
Location
Luminarium will be in Central Park, East Ham, on the east side of the park close to High Street South.
The event can be accessed by public transport. The closest bus stops are on High Street South (58, 101, 115), and the closest stations are East Ham and Upton Park (District, Hammersmith & City Line).
Location of the Luminarium in Central Park
Luminarium ‘Arborialis’ in Barcelona, 2023.
Volunteering Opportunity
Volunteers are key to a successful event. Culture Within Newham are looking for a number of volunteers aged 18+ who can support us with various roles including:
Stewarding the Luminarium,
Welcoming and directing visitors around the site,
Providing basic information about the artwork and schedule,
Queue management, and
Collecting visitor feedback.
Frequently Asked Questions
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An average visit may last 15 – 30 minutes. During busy periods, visits are restricted to 20 minutes to allow as many people as possible to enjoy the experience.
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On arrival, you will join either the advance ticket queue or the walk in queue. At the reception tent, visitors remove their shoes before entering through an airlock. Inside, you are free to explore the winding paths and domes, or simply find a quiet corner to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.
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Tickets can be purchased online for specific entry times. Please arrive 10 minutes before your slot. A short queue may still be expected. If advance tickets are sold out, you may join the on-site walk-up queue, though waiting times may be longer.
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Yes, but please consider that the Luminarium is not a play area. The Luminarium is a wonderful introduction to art and culture for young visitors. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult over 18.
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Please note prams and pushchairs remain outside the Luminarium. Our team are on hand to assist you.
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Photography/filming may occur - inform a steward if you prefer not to be photographed . Visitors are welcome to take photos and share them on social media.
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Yes! Please email Sophie at sophie.crocker@culturewithin.org.uk as soon as possible to find out more about school/community group visits.
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We encourage those visiting Luminarium to use public transport where possible.
The closest London Underground stations include
East Ham (District and Hammersmith & City lines) which is roughly a 10 to 16-minute walk away.
Upton Park (District and Hammersmith & City lines) which is roughly an 18 to 20-minute walk away.
The closest bus routes include
Stop G (towards Manor Park or Upton Park): Served by route 58.
Stops L & M / Stop S1 (towards Beckton, Newham Hospital, or Custom House): Served by routes 58, 101, 304, and 474.
Accessibility Information
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There is no fixed seating, but visitors are welcome to sit or lie down anywhere within the structure
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The Luminarium is fully accessible for wheelchair users
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This event is fully accessible. If you are visiting with a guide dog, please contact Culture Within Newham's access coordinator Sophie sophie.crocker@culturewithin.org.uk in advance for our visitor guidance.
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Yes. The experience is primarily visual. A gentle soundscape plays inside, but it contains no words and is not essential to enjoy the installation.
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There are no flashing lights or artificial lighting. All colour comes from natural daylight passing through the structure. Up to 80 people may be inside at one time, so please consider this if you are sensitive to busy environments.
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As an inflatable structure, the Luminarium may close during high winds or extreme heat. Safety is our priority. It will reopen as soon as conditions allow. Please follow guidance from event staff on the day.
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We will be operating a Quiet Hour Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September 11am-12pm with capacity capped at 40 people (50%) to ensure visitors who prefer less busy environments can enjoy Luminarium.
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On-street marked Blue Badge bays are located on Rancliffe Road directly adjacent to Central Park in East Ham (E6). This is approximately a 5-10minute walk from the Luminarium site.
About the project partners
Architects of Air
For over thirty years, Architects of Air has pioneered immersive public art through its monumental Luminaria - sculptures that people enter to be moved to a sense of wonder at the beauty of light and colour. Since 1992, Architects of Air have created and toured these artworks captivating over 4 million visitors in 47 countries.
Handcrafted in Nottingham from more than 3,000 individual pieces, each Luminarium is designed by founder Alan Parkinson drawing inspiration from cathedrals, Islamic architecture, and natural forms to shape dazzling maze-like spaces of winding paths and soaring domes.
Inclusive to all, the experience is intended for audience of every age and ability with a particular care to ensure accessibility for wheelchair users and the SEND community.
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