The Long Center is thrilled to announce the return of Architects of Air to our West Lawn, January 24-February 2. Architects of Air features a series of interactive, inflatable ‘sculptures,’ that visitors actually enter! This H.E.B. sponsored event features a brand new luminarium: Miracoco!

Last year, Architects of Air visited Austin for the second time, bringing the luminarium Exxopolis. Nearly 10,000 people visited the structure in one week!  Each time the company visits the Long Center, the skyline of downtown Austin is literally transformed buy a different luminarium. This engagement will be the first time visitors in Austin will have the chance to explore Miracoco.

Once the luminarium is installed and inflated, it is visible from across the city, including downtown Austin and all along Lady Bird Lake and the trails. Visitors who enter the structure experience a spectacular and surreal world, spending up to 30 minutes touring the visually stunning interiors of the luminarium. Light and color combine for an intense experience that lends itself to meditation, relaxation and fun.

The Miracoco Luminarium represents a new step in the evolution of luminarium design.  Taking the best from what has been learned from past structures, designers have achieved greater control over the inflated form. 

Functionally this means improvements in safety and in modularity but, most importantly, this new luminarium is one of the most visually exciting ever built.

In fact, Miracoco’s Centre Dome is the biggest ever. It is a monumental structure, redolent of the Lotus Temple of India that features spiral lattices to create a display of scintillating points of light on a field of iridescent hues. 

Visitors will enter a dazzling maze of winding paths and soaring domes where Islamic architecture, Archimedean solids and Gothic cathedrals meld into an inspiring monument to the beauty of light and color. Each luminarium is made up of panels of uniquely produced plastic, zipped together on-site to occupy nearly 11,000 square feet. The structure is anchored down and, in just 20 minutes, inflated to its monumental size.

The international success of Architects of Air has grown out of a theatre project for people with learning disabilities. Accessibility to the widest audience has always been a central goal of their work, and these installations are appreciated by all ages, all cultures and all abilities. The luminaria and can be accessed by the elderly and wheelchair users.

This stunning installation will be open to the public January 24-February 2, weekdays from 11AM to 5PM, weekends from 10AM to 5PM (final admission at 5PM). Tickets available at the Long Center, same day as entrance. $10 per person, children 2 and under are free (Children 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult – 1 adult for every 4 children.

* Advance tickets for this exciting exhibit will not be on sale to the public. Priority access to the best days and time slots are available by becoming a Long Center Annual Member or Subscriber. More info here: http://thelongcenter.org/event/architects-air/

Note: The luminarium is accessible to wheelchair users and people with mobility difficulties. Shoes and possessions are left in the reception area at the owner’s risk.