Wonders on Display
Austin’s Hub for Immersive Art
Words Codi Chen | Photos Will Bowling
Stepping into the “Submergence” art installation by Squidsoup feels like crossing into another dimension. Walking through the seemingly endless rows of 8,064 glowing lights, each one pulses with vibrant hues in perfect harmony with the ambient music. The shifting colors envelop, creating a hypnotic sense of fluidity that blurs the line between the physical and the surreal. It’s almost as if it’s a living, breathing work of art where light and sound merge to reshape your perception of space and time.
The immersive art landscape of Wonderspaces has made itself a home in northeast Austin, captivating visitors with its unique blend of interactive installations. Stretching 28,000 square feet, this vibrant art museum features a rotating collection of large scale work from over 160 artists worldwide. “Our intention from the beginning has been to connect audiences with artworks created for large festivals like Burning Man or South by Southwest,” says Julia Ottenberg, Marketing and Communications Manager for Wonderspaces. “The art will often get shown once and then go back into a warehouse for the foreseeable future,” she adds.
The Austin venue emerged during the pandemic, offering a much-needed refuge for those seeking art in a time of social distancing. Its spacious design allowed for safe, reduced-capacity visits, enabling the community to engage with art even amid global uncertainty.
“Many of our visitors have never been to a traditional museum or gallery. We want people to come in and have their own experience with the artwork. That’s why many of our installations are participatory,” Julia explains. They are designed to be self-paced, encouraging visitors of all backgrounds and abilities to explore the art on their own terms. Many installations invite guests to contribute to the artwork and create a personal connection that extends beyond mere observation.
For example, “The Last Word” by Illegal Art, one of the permanent installations, offers a profound and intimate experience by inviting visitors to confront the unspoken. Thousands of tightly rolled pieces of paper serve as vessels for unfinished thoughts and unvoiced feelings. Whether visitors add their own words or read the anonymous messages left by others, the installation provides a unique space to explore the hidden depths of human emotion and the conversations that never were.
“People can come from wherever they’re starting in their relationship with art and just enjoy it for what it is.” Smiling, Julia adds, “We also have a full bar with signature cocktails and mocktails, making it a perfect spot for a date night, family outing, or private event.”
Whether it’s the large-scale immersive pieces like “Arc” by Ian Brill or the quieter, reflective installations like “Killing Time” by Mesple, Wonderspaces has managed to forge powerful connections between art, artists, and the Austin community.
A Venue Like No Other
Wonderspaces offers an unforgettable backdrop for gatherings of all kinds. Whether planning a corporate event, a milestone celebration, or a creative workshop, this interactive museum provides an immersive environment that will captivate your guests.
Signature Sips
The experience at Wonderspaces extends beyond the art with signature drinks that are as creative as the exhibits. Sip on the Whiskey Alamo, a bold blend of whiskey, Aperol, blood orange syrup, and lemon, or refresh yourself with the Longhorn Lemonade, a zesty mix of lemon, peach purée, and gooseberry marigold syrup. Bonus: All of Wonderspaces’ signature cocktails and mocktails are served in a collectible souvenir jar.
Contact:
1205 Sheldon Cv., #2A
austin.wonderspaces.com
@WonderspacesAustin
