Phoenix des Lumières: Wonderful World of Ocean – a Dive

New special exhibition from 28.09.24 to 05.01.25

News |
27.08.2024

Be swarmed by fish, see a coral reef up close or play in the water with dolphins. If you have always dreamed of a personal ocean adventure, you can make it a reality at Phoenix des Lumières. From September 28, 2024 to January 5, 2025, the art center in Dortmund invites you to an immersive dive into the captivating world of the seas in its new special exhibition “Wonderful World of the Ocean”. Around 100 video projectors, 28 loudspeakers and 10 subwoofers give visitors the feeling of moving through the unique underwater world themselves.

(Image: Culturespaces / Falko Wübbecke)

Fascinating ocean for young and old

Over 70% of our planet is covered by vast expanses of water that we call oceans. Beneath their surface lies a fascinating world, the discovery of which is one of humanity’s endless tasks. More than 250,000 species have been recorded so far and research is constantly revealing new life forms and secrets. The new immersive Special exhibition “Wonderful Ocean” by Phoenix of Lights invites explorers, both big and small, to take a unique look beneath the surface of the seas and at their numerous inhabitants.

(Image: Culturespaces / Falko Wübbecke)

Phoenix of Lights

Phoenixplatz 4
44263 Dortmund
OSM / Google-Maps
Tickets online

Opening hours:

• 28.09. to 31.10. and 21.12. to 05.01.
  – Wed-Sun: 2.30pm to 7pm
  – Tue: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• 02.11. to 20.12.
  – Tue: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  – Sat: 2.30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Experience the underwater world – life-size and up close

Admire huge life-size mammals, see rarely seen deep-sea fish, feel like you’re brushing against a great white shark and admire fantastically dancing schools of fish: those who go on the immersive dive will find themselves surrounded by huge blue whales, orcas and sperm whales. Visitors experience the shapes and colors of the underwater flora and fauna in full life size and up close.

From gliding penguins and exotic seahorses to glowing jellyfish and deep dark waters where no light penetrates, every corner of the immersive ocean reveals new breathtaking landscapes and creatures. This is an opportunity for adults and children alike to discover the infinite wealth of the seas that few people get to see and which is currently in a fragile state.

(Image: Culturespaces / Falko Wübbecke)

New production for Dortmund

“Wonder World Ocean” was created by Culturespaces Studio in collaboration with Spectre Lab Studio and offers visitors an immersive experience of the diverse underwater world and its inhabitants. With a production time of ten months and 800 video recordings, more than 100 species of underwater flora and fauna are created. The selection of the recordings, tailored to the Phoenixhalle in Dortmundallows visitors to immerse themselves in an alternation of quiet moments and dynamic, animated scenes.

(Image: Culturespaces / Falko Wübbecke)

The immersive experience is rounded off by a tailor-made soundscape, created in collaboration with Start-Rec and contains a variety of ocean and animal sounds. The spatial arrangement of the projectors and loudspeakers in the former gas blower hall at Phoenix West reinforces the impression of being very close to the animals. Visitors experience a fascinating journey that allows them to immerse themselves in the secrets and wonders of the ocean.

The new special exhibition will be shown from 28 September to 31 October and from 21 December to 5 January every Wednesday to Sunday from 14:30 to 19:00. Every Tuesday there is also Family day at Phoenix des Lumières. Here, ocean explorers of all ages can go on an immersive dive all day (10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.) at a reduced price. From November 2nd to December 20th, the special exhibition can be seen all day on Family Day (10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) and on Saturdays from 2:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.