Part of the Connexus Tour by Architects of Air

24 - 27 Sept 2026. Central Park, East Ham, E6 3AB

Free. Book online or just show up.

Overview

Step into a world-famous Luminarium by Architects of Air – a fully accessible artwork inspired by nature and Islamic architecture.

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.

A Luminarium is a spectacular walk-through artwork 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. Shoes must be removed before entering.

About the artwork

Arborialis has the natural world for inspiration. Immersion in an arboreal world of tree-like forms and abundant leaf motifs. Arborialis is dedicated to the theme of ‘trees’ in terms of both forms and in graphic representation. Arborialis is designed to echo aspects of being lost in a forest – there are radiant canopies of leaves that stretch overhead, there are vibrant tree trunks rising from the ground beneath.

The Main Dome frames the leaf motif in a magnificent cupola that references the form of the Islamic mosque domes that are one of Alan Parkinson’s primary sources of inspiration. The visual world of Arborialis is enhanced by the natural and spiritual sounds of the Song of Danu created by Irish composer Dr Michael Morris.

Learn more about ‘Arborialis’ by Architects of Air.

Frequently Asked Questions

A Luminarium is a large scale, walk in sculpture filled with radiant colour and gentle light. It’s a place to wander, to pause, and to feel a sense of wonder. Many visitors describe it as a peaceful labyrinth - a space for reflection, inspiration and quiet joy. A Luminarium is:
• A walk in immersive experience for all ages
• A labyrinth of light and colour to explore at your own pace
• A fusion of art, architecture to inspire curiosity, reflection and wonder
• Fully accessible — wheelchair users and the SEND community are warmly welcomed
Everyone. The Luminarium welcomes all ages, abilities, cultures and communities - perfect for families, friends, or anyone curious to experience something unique. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult (1 adult for up to 4 children). Ratios for schools and educational visits may differ.
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.
Architects of Air design tour and create Luminaria – sculptures that people enter to be moved to a sense of wonder at the beauty of light and colour. Since 1992 these artworks have captivated 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. www.architects-of-air.com
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. Most visitors’ first reaction is “wow” - the colours and light often take people by surprise. Everyone experiences the space differently: some wander every passageway; others sit and soak in the calm. Explore in whatever way feels right for you.
Free tickets can be booked 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.
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. Prams and pushchairs cannot be taken inside.
The Luminarium is fully accessible for wheelchair users. Please note prams and pushchairs remain outside
This event is fully accessible. If you are visiting with a guide dog, please contact Culture Within Newham in advance for our visitor guidance.
Yes. The experience is primarily visual. A gentle soundscape plays inside, but it contains no words and is not essential to enjoy the installation.
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.
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.
There is no fixed seating, but visitors are welcome to sit or lie down anywhere within the structure
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.

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.