A dazzling new immersive attraction offering a journey to the cosmos is set to arrive in Manchester this summer. Developed in collaboration with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO), a pioneering research centre founded in 1890, Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience will allow visitors to witness the birth and death of stars, explore distant galaxies, and come face-to-face with a black hole.
Opening in the Northern Quarter
The free-roam attraction will open at Transmission House on Tib Street in Manchester's Northern Quarter on July 9. Drawing on decades of astronomical research, the experience translates scientific data into a fully interactive and walkable universe—all without leaving Earth.
What to Expect
During the one-hour VR experience, suitable for guests aged 10 and above, visitors will explore some of humanity's most powerful observatories, including the Hubble Space Telescope, the James Webb Space Telescope, and the Chandra X-ray Observatory. They will also encounter extreme exoplanets, witness the life cycle of stars, and explore the immense scale of galaxies and black holes. The experience also features a race through the Milky Way and a close approach to the Sun to witness its immense energy.
Tickets are priced from £16 per person.
Background and Quotes
The attraction first premiered in Washington D.C. and recently made its UK debut at the Science Museum in London. Manchester is the next stop on its tour. Denise Elliott, Acting President of Smithsonian Enterprises, said: "Smithsonian Starstruck reflects years of thoughtful collaboration across the Smithsonian. By working closely with SAO and Fever, we're extending Smithsonian science and storytelling into an immersive format that reaches new audiences while supporting our mission."
Randall Smith, Associate Director for Science at the Center for Astrophysics at SAO, added: "This project demonstrates how immersive experiences can make complex scientific ideas more tangible and engaging. It's exciting to see astronomical data translated into an experience that encourages curiosity and exploration."
Alex Winterbotham, Global Director of Production for VR at Fever, said: "We're proud to have developed this new immersive experience in collaboration with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. This partnership has enabled us to ensure scientific accuracy down to the smallest detail to make the observatory's incredible research within reach."
Ticket Information
People can sign up to the waitlist via Fever to be the first to get tickets when they go on sale from 10am on June 16. More details are available on the website.
