The Cosmos Has Come To Melbourne In This Digital Reconstruction Of Our Solar System—Now Open
In partnership with NASA’s George C. Marshall Space Flight Center and The US Space and Rocket Center, Neighbourhood Earth combines cutting-edge technology with the latest in science for an out-of-this-world immersive cinema experience.
Just like there is no other place like (our) home, there is no other exhibition quite like Neighbourhood Earth. Featuring the latest in hologram technology, a 360-degree theatre experience and a full-size replica of one of the Space Station’s key modules, this immersive exhibit gives everyone the chance to journey through the galaxy and find out everything we know about space.
Developed with the help of NASA’s George C. Marshall Space Flight Center and the US Space and Rocket Center, Neighbourhood Earth also features museum-quality astronaut suits, replica spacecraft and high-quality models plus hands-on activities. This is the exhibition for everyone who has ever looked up at the night sky and wondered about our place in the universe.
The major drawcard of Neighbourhood Earth has to be the dazzling projection show that allows visitors to go on a stunning voyage through space. There’s a double sunrise to see on Mercury, a lightning storm to experience on equatorial Venus, a blue Martian sunset to witness and a descent into Jupiter’s great red spot among the highlights in this surround sound, 360-degree cinema projection. You’ll also get to visit lonely Pluto as well as view the Blue Planet from way out there.
These impossible journeys are all thanks to the latest imagery and space exploration science.
But as soon as you step into the exhibit, you’re going to be blown away by the huge immersive space projection. It will almost be like you are out floating in space yourself. And after stepping inside the full-size replica of part of the International Space Station, you’ll see the ISS’s live feed projected onto the wall and the Earth itself floating in space.
Neighbourhood Earth showcases stories about past and present space exploration with a model of the Mars Ingenuity helicopter and other colossal space technology. However, the exhibition also looks to the future and what may lie ahead for us out there in the huge ocean of emptiness. Visitors can even check out a prototype Z2 suit, which will be worn on the surface of Mars.
Those interested in knowing more can dive into the Learning Zone where holographic technology and 3D models reveal key facts and info in our quest for knowledge.
Visitors to Neighbourhood Earth can also find out their weight on other planets thanks to the Interactive Gravity Station and man the controls for re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere at another hands-on activity. While those keen on exploring their billionaire fantasies can build a rocket using different nose cones, fuselage and tail fin components at the interactive game station.
The multi-sensory, immersive space exhibition by Toto Creative first debuted in the USA before wowing audiences in China and picking up Gold at ICSC Global Awards Asia-Pacific. It made its Australian premiere in Sydney with sell-out sessions at the end of last year and was described as a “walk through the solar system” where visitors have felt “transported to another world”.
Adults said that it was “intriguing” and “awe-inspiring”, and in the words of one teenager, it is “super sick, and cool”.
Neighbourhood Earth is an experience for all ages and it’s landing in Melbourne at Emporium on June 17. It will be open to the public from Wednesday through to Sunday for a chance to explore space like never before.
Tickets are now on sale with special prices for children, students and families.