Updated
Updated · CultureMap San Antonio · Jun 18
Smithsonian Starstruck Opens July 2 in San Antonio, Offering $15 Immersive Space VR
Updated
Updated · CultureMap San Antonio · Jun 18

Smithsonian Starstruck Opens July 2 in San Antonio, Offering $15 Immersive Space VR

2 articles · Updated · CultureMap San Antonio · Jun 18

Summary

  • July 2 marks the San Antonio debut of Smithsonian Starstruck at The Shops at Rivercenter, with tickets starting at $15 and sales opening June 18.
  • The roughly 1-hour attraction includes 40 minutes of free-roam virtual reality built from decades of Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory data and imagery, taking visitors to black holes, exoplanets and the Big Bang.
  • Fever developed the experience with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, using handmade art from animators and 3D modelers based on SAO, NASA and European Space Agency data; AI was limited to storyboarding and cleanup.
  • San Antonio is only the second city to host Starstruck after Washington, and the exhibit is aimed at ages 10 and up while remaining accessible to visitors with disabilities.

Insights

Can a VR journey to a supernova truly teach science, or is it just a high-tech theme park ride?
Are immersive VR attractions the ultimate solution for reviving America's struggling shopping malls?
With museums embracing VR, will digital experiences soon replace the need for physical artifacts?