Smithsonian Starstruck

Brisbane is about to get a whole lot closer to the cosmos, with an immersive virtual reality experience set to transport visitors on an extraordinary journey through space. 

Landing at Fever’s Hub in Fortitude Valley, Smithsonian Starstruck will take visitors beyond Earth and into the far reaches of the universe, using cutting-edge virtual reality technology to bring the wonders of space to life. 

Developed in collaboration with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, the experience transforms decades of astronomical research and real scientific data into a fully immersive, walk-through universe. Rather than simply watching from the sidelines, guests can roam freely through an interactive 3D environment, exploring the cosmos from an entirely new perspective.

Along the way, visitors will journey alongside some of humanity’s most powerful observatories, including the Hubble Space Telescope, James Webb Space Telescope and Chandra X-ray Observatory. Expect encounters with extreme exoplanets, a closer look at the life cycle of stars and the chance to explore the incredible scale of galaxies and black holes.

Designed to engage the senses, the experience allows guests to touch, hear and navigate their way through astronomical discoveries, making some of the universe’s most complex scientific concepts accessible to curious minds of all ages.

And it's not just an impressive space adventure. Smithsonian Starstruck has also been officially selected In Competition for Venice Immersive at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, one of the world's leading showcases for immersive and extended reality experiences.

Whether you're a budding astronomer, a science enthusiast or simply curious about what lies beyond our planet, this is a chance to see the universe in a whole new light.

Smithsonian Starstruck opens at Fever’s Hub in Fortitude Valley on Thursday, November 5, with sessions running Wednesday to Sunday. The experience welcomes visitors of all ages and abilities, with tickets starting from $38 for adults and $30.80 for children.