Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy 2023 / 2024 LA experience is a one-of-a-kind artistic journey not to be missed. I had the chance to review it for EatTravelGo.com – CLICK HERE to read. I also posted THREE video Reels on ETG’s Instagram Page.
This reboot of a massive art installation that originally opened thirty-six years ago in Germany, is now OPEN in downtown LA. Ace Mission Studios a 60,000-square-foot warehouse space is the new LA home for Luna Luna (at least until January 14, 2024). See below for additional info about the Moon Pass, & special merch. Luna Luna will remain on view in LA through the Spring of 2024.
The Luna Luna entrance arch by Sonia Delaunay in Hamburg, Germany, 1987; courtesy of Luna Luna.
2023 / 2024 Luna Luna LA
The popular rapper/singer DRAKE, along with his media company DreamCrew rescued the conceptual amusement park from obscurity. This revival awakens a historic art installation that went silent back in 1987.
The brainchild of André Heller, It debuted in Hamburg, Germany and was the world’s first art amusement park. The Austrian multidisciplinary artist first began reaching out to other artists about collaboration on creating this amusement park in the 1970s. Needless to say, it flourished into a mesmerizing work of art.
The art inspired carnival featured rides, games, as well as other attractions by legendary artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, and David Hockney. Unfortunately due to new ownership, the park’s treasures were soon sealed in 44 shipping containers and forgotten in Texas—until now.
Artists include: Jean-Michel Basquiat, Joseph Bueys, Arik Brauer, Salvador Dalí, Manfred Deix, Sonia Delaunay, Monika GilSing, Keith Haring, André Heller, David Hockney, Rebecca Horn, Roy Lichtenstein, Kenny Scharf, Daniel Spöoerri, and Jim Whiting.
Aerial view of Luna Luna in Moorweide park. Hamburg, Germany, 1987; Photo by Sabina Sarnitz; Courtesy Luna Luna
Luna Luna’s Don’t Miss List
Purchase a Moon Pass to ensure that you can view two immersive pavilions by artists David Hockney and Salvador Dalí.
For Luna Luna, David Hockney designed a cylindrical forest pavilion made of panels painted with multicolored, geometric trees.
Salvador Dalí’s geodesic dome and its inspiring interior is a must-see. So don’t forget to purchase a Moon Pass.
Jean-Michel Basquiat designed a Ferris wheel on which recurrent subjects from his earlier work appear. The wheel was also accompanied by Miles Davis’ 1986 song “Tutu.”
Kenny Scharf’s contribution to Luna Luna was a wave swinger dedicated to the cosmic spirits of flight.
Keith Haring (see image below) envisioned a brightly colored carousel featuring seats in bubble-gum pink, lime green, as well as tangerine orange. The three-dimensional versions of the characters are from his iconic line drawing. Other characters also appeared on large tarps displayed throughout the park.
Keith Haring’s painted carousel. Luna Luna, Hamburg, Germany, 1987. © Keith Haring Foundation/licensed by Artestar, New York; Photo: © Sabina Sarnitz; Courtesy Luna Luna
Items for Purchase
In 1987, Heller requested artists to create a moon graphic, printing it on apparel. In January 2022, forgotten treasures, including t-shirts, were found in 44 shipping containers with Luna Luna’s rides and games. After cleaning and vetting by restoration specialists, the 87 Archive collection was born, encompassing apparel, prints, objects, and more from Luna Luna 1987. Don’t forget to visit the gift shop to purchase one of these rare archival collectibles.
Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy is located at 1601 E 6th St.,LA, 90023, and will remain on view in Los Angeles through May 12, 2024. Visit the website to find out more, and to purchase tickets as well. Be aware some of the extra special attractions are only available to view with a MOON PASS. So be sure to look into that for a well rounded experience. Luna Luna. 1601 E. 6th Street, LA, 90023; https://lunaluna.com
CLICK HERE for upcoming art exhibitions, as well as performances and also restaurant picks.
