Are you interested in the arts? Are you looking for an interesting new event or festival? If you answered yes to either of these questions, you’re in luck- an almost forgotten piece of history is on its way to being featured in New York.
Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy is the world’s first art amusement park and is making its way to NYC this November. This unique fairground, organized by artist and curator André Heller, is a fascinating collection of nearly forgotten works created by influential artists of the 80s such as Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Salvador Dalí.
Those are only a few names out of the thirty-three total artists brought onto the project, enthusiastic to take part in such a unique exhibition. The carnival includes ferris wheels, carousels, glass labyrinths, swing carousels, all designed by the world’s top contemporary artists who aimed to provide a space for art outside of museums or galleries, available for everyone to have fun.
After its initial debut to the public in Hamburg in the summer of 1987, many were astonished not only by the new and original way of presenting art to the public, but also by the original performances that took place at the carnival such as stilt-walkers, puppeteers, and concerts that left visitors amazed and dumbfounded.
Tragically canceled after three months, the rides and artwork were packed and locked away into storage containers. Luna Luna was stored and forgotten about for nearly thirty-seven years, before being rediscovered in 2020.
After spending years putting the dismantled pieces of Luna Luna back together, the carnival was displayed in Los Angeles this year. Beginning November 20th however, this experience will be displayed just a short train ride away.
Luna Luna will be available for visit this winter in NYC, at a warehouse venue called The Shed. Unfortunately, the rides are not in operation and won’t be taking any passengers. However, the experience is full of passion and imagination from its creators, contributors, and supporters. All the original rides, art, and exhibitions will be on full display. Performers as well will be roaming the venue, in the same spirit as the original park in ‘87.
It’s an incredibly exciting prospect for such an interesting and unique work of creativity to be revived after such a long time left forgotten. Being very nearly lost to time once before, art lovers and amusement-seekers alike would be remiss to let the opportunity to witness this eccentric fairground pass them by. This November, don’t miss the outstanding opportunity to take a trip to this dazzling display and see a piece of history brought back to life!
