Downtown Los Angeles is a thriving hub of creativity and cultural diversity. It has once again become the canvas for a mesmerizing art exhibition that you cannot miss. Luna Luna opened in December in the heart of the Arts District. This exhibition is a blending of history, modern art, famous artists like Basquiat and Haring, and the influence of globally acclaimed artist Drake. In this blog post, I’ll explore the rich history of the art amusement park, delve into the connections with Drake, and provide an insightful journey through the vibrant Arts District that hosts this extraordinary event.
History of Luna Luna:
Luna translates to “moon” in Spanish, was conceived as an immersive art experience that transcends traditional boundaries. The tale of this exhibition traces its roots back to 1987, a time when the art world in Germany was on the cusp of a revolutionary transformation. It was not born as a traditional art exhibition but rather as a groundbreaking concept—an art amusement park that aimed to immerse visitors in a fantastical realm where art, technology, and entertainment collided in a mesmerizing symphony.
Under the curation of Austrian artist André Heller, it was conceived as an ambitious endeavor to create an immersive art amusement park. Heller enlisted a diverse array of artists to craft the attractions, assembling a stellar lineup that featured luminaries such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Salvador Dalí, David Hockney, and more.
Drake’s Involvement with Luna Luna:
One of the most intriguing aspects of reopening is the involvement of the globally acclaimed artist, Drake. Known for his prowess in the music industry, Drake has expanded his creative endeavors into visual arts. According to the New York Times and other sources, Drake’s company invested $100 million to revitalize and reopen the exhibition, 35 years after it’s initial opening, the summer of 1987. The previous 35 years, the amusement park was seemingly forgotten and in storage.
Opening in Downtown Los Angeles
Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy just opened in downtown Los Angeles in December 2023. I had the chance to visit the first week of January. I was blown away by the immersive experience, the grandness of the exhibitions, and the history behind the entire exhibition. If you like art and history, you’ll love this exhibition. It is playful, colorful and beautifully curated. One of my friends asked me if I would bring my kids – they are 9 and 11 for reference. I told her no. Why you ask? I know they would be tempted to want to actually ride on the carnival rides. It would feel almost like I was teasing them. However, there is value in introducing children to fine art. I know they would have found the exhibition as beautiful as I did.
The Arts District: A Canvas for Creative Expression:
Downtown Los Angeles’ Arts District, a vibrant neighborhood pulsating with creativity, serves as the ideal backdrop for the exhibition. Originally an industrial area, the district has transformed into a haven for artists, boasting an eclectic mix of galleries, studios, and street art.
Wandering through the Arts District is akin to navigating an open-air gallery where creativity knows no bounds. The walls of buildings serve as canvases for striking murals, with every corner revealing a new piece of urban art. Luna Luna, strategically situated in this artistic enclave, seamlessly integrates with the district’s ethos of pushing creative boundaries. The exhibition’s location within the Arts District is a deliberate choice. It amplifies the immersive experience, allowing visitors to engage not only with the curated artworks inside but also with the dynamic urban art scene outside.
If you’re in Los Angeles this spring and you enjoy art, then you should take the time to visit Luna Luna. I really enjoyed my time walking around the immersive art amusement park. Further, if you’re looking for other things to do in LA, click here. For a guide to LACMA, click here.