Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience to open at the Science Museum this June
- Immersive Rumours
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Image: Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience
The universe is within reach, as London will become a gateway to the cosmos with the arrival of Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience, opening on 26th June at the Science Museum, the home of award-winning exhibitions, iconic objects and stories of incredible scientific achievement. 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.
Developed in collaboration with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO), the pioneering research centre founded in 1890, Starstruck draws on decades of astronomical research to translate scientific data into a fully immersive, interactive and walkable virtual reality universe. Built from real astronomical data, Starstruck is far more than an exhibition; it is a cosmic journey that dissolves the boundary between observer and observed, allowing guests to activate their senses as they touch, hear and navigate the wonders of the universe like never before.
During the experience, guests travel alongside some of humanity’s most powerful observatories, including the Hubble Space Telescope, the James Webb Space Telescope, and the Chandra X‑ray Observatory, journeying 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.
Image: Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience
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.
Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience begins atop SAO’s Whipple Observatory, where a cosmic guide, Astro, awaits. From this summit, the journey launches into deep space aboard the world’s most powerful telescopes (Hubble, JWST, and Chandra), revealing the vastness and wonder of the universe like never before.
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, encounter extreme exoplanet worlds, a dying star, and the edge of a supermassive black hole, capturing the scale and beauty of space.
Image: Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience
Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience honours centuries of scientific curiosity and innovation, demonstrating how curiosity and exploration continue to expand our understanding of the universe. From the Milky Way to black holes and 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.
Bringing Starstruck to the Science Museum in London marks the latest addition to Fever’s growing portfolio of immersive cultural experiences worldwide. This expanding lineup reinforces the company’s mission to increase access to the extraordinary and make culture accessible through technology, transforming the way people learn, connect, and engage with history, science, and art.
Alex Winterbotham, Global Director of Production for VR at Fever, commented:
We’re proud to have developed this new immersive experience in collaboration with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO), the largest astrophysics research centre in the world. This partnership has enabled us to ensure scientific accuracy down to revelatory details to make the observatory’s incredible research within reach to audiences in London. Bringing Starstruck to the Science Museum highlights the project’s ability to educate and engage visitors of all ages, from children to adults, while remaining highly entertaining.
Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience opens on 26th June 2026 at the Science Museum near South Kensington station. For more information and to sign up to the waitlist, visit feverup.com
