Built from Real Astronomical Data, This Fully Immersive Experience Brings Stars, Galaxies and Black Holes Within Reach
Friday, June 12, Washington, D.C., becomes a gateway to the cosmos with the world premiere of Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience, opening at 926 F St NW in Penn Quarter. This free-roam, interactive journey invites visitors to witness the birth and death of stars, explore distant galaxies and come face-to-face with a black hole, all without leaving Earth.
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Developed in collaboration with Fever and using real astronomical data from the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO), Starstruck translates decades of research into a fully immersive, interactive and walkable universe.
Throughout the journey, guests travel alongside some of world’s most powerful observatories, including the Hubble Space Telescope, the James Webb Space Telescope and the Chandra X-ray Observatory, venturing far beyond Earth and deep into the cosmos. Along the way, they encounter extreme exoplanets, witness the life cycle of stars and explore the immense scale of galaxies and black holes, gaining a deeper understanding of humanity’s place in the universe.
“Smithsonian Starstruck reflects years of thoughtful collaboration across the Smithsonian,” said Denise Elliott, acting president of Smithsonian Enterprises. “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.”
Experience Highlights
Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience begins atop SAO’s Whipple Observatory in southern Arizona, where a cosmic guide, Astro, awaits. From this summit, the journey launches into deep space aboard the telescopes, revealing the vastness and wonder of the universe like never before.
During the 40-minute experience, visitors will drift through a breathtaking 3D expanse, gliding past thousands of galaxies, racing through the Milky Way and soaring close to the sun to witness its immense energy. Along the way, they will encounter extreme exoplanet worlds, a dying star and the edge of a supermassive black hole.
“This project demonstrates how immersive experiences can make complex scientific ideas more tangible and engaging,” said Randall Smith, associate director for science at the Center for Astrophysics at SAO. “It’s exciting to see astronomical data translated into an experience that encourages curiosity and exploration.”
Celebrating Innovation & Human Accomplishment
Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience honors centuries of scientific curiosity and innovation, demonstrating how exploration continues to expand our understanding of the universe.
From the Big Bang to the Milky Way to the solar system, the experience places visitors within the story of discovery itself, illustrating that humans are not just observers of the cosmos, but part of it.
Developed in close collaboration with the Smithsonian Office of Visitor Accessibility, Starstruck incorporates accessibility features such as captions, visual descriptions, wheelchair-optimized viewing, assistive listening devices, complimentary companion access and monthly low-sensory days. Trained staff and fully accessible venues help ensure a welcoming experience for all. This experience is recommended for ages 10 and up.
About Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience
Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience is a 3D interactive, virtual reality experience that begins at Earth’s observatories and launches visitors into the universe—aboard the world’s most powerful space telescopes. Developed in close collaboration with SAO, Starstruck translates real astronomical data from SAO, NASA and the European Space Agency into a breathtaking journey through space.
Blending cutting-edge immersive technology with rigorous science and powerful storytelling, Starstruck brings the birth and death of stars, and the vast depths of the cosmos, to life in an entirely new way for audiences craving smart entertainment.
Starstruck brings Smithsonian science and storytelling into an immersive, transportive format, extending the Institution’s longstanding mission of sharing knowledge far beyond its physical museums. It reinforces the Smithsonian’s commitment to being a welcoming source of knowledge and discovery for all, inviting audiences not just to learn, but to explore and imagine.
About the Smithsonian
Since its founding in 1846, the Smithsonian Institution has been committed to inspiring generations through knowledge and discovery. It is the world’s largest museum, education and research complex, consisting of 21 museums, the National Zoological Park, education centers, research facilities, cultural centers, libraries and gardens. Two of the 21 museums—the National Museum of the American Latino and the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum—are in the early planning stages. The total number of objects, works of art and specimens at the Smithsonian is about 157 million.
About the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is a research center of the Smithsonian Institution and part of the Center for Astrophysics, the largest astrophysics research center in the world. The Observatory has been a pioneer in space exploration and discovery since its founding in 1890. Today, in addition to performing groundbreaking astronomical research, SAO operates multiple satellites, including NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory, and runs the Minor Planet Center that tracks all known asteroids in the solar system.
About Smithsonian Enterprises
Smithsonian Enterprises oversees the commercial activities of the Smithsonian Institution with five primary business divisions: media, retail, licensing, eCommerce and travel. The mission of SE is to engage in successful and profitable revenue generating business activities that support and extend the Smithsonian’s mission, values and reputation.
About Virtual Worlds
Virtual Worlds is a creative studio specializing in high-quality, free-roam immersive experiences that transport audiences inside history´s most remarkable stories. By combining cinematic artistry with cutting-edge technology, the studio brings history, culture and imagination to life with unparalleled depth, scale and immersion.
About Fever
Fever is the world’s leading tech platform for discovering culture and live entertainment, inspiring over 300 million people last year to discover the best experiences in over 40 countries. With a mission to increase access to culture and entertainment in real life, Fever inspires users to enjoy unique experiences and events—from immersive exhibitions and sports to interactive theatrical performances, concerts and festivals—while empowering its partners with data and technology to develop and expand new experiences worldwide.