“Imagine you’re inside an aquarium, but with light instead of water,” the guide told us before we entered the Luminarium at TELUS Spark. Another told us to look up; it was like a stained glass window. Whether you view it as a calming kaleidoscope or a mesmerizing maze, the Luminarium is part of Spark’s fabulous summer experience.
From July 1 – August 1, 2022, TELUS Spark is hosting the Timisien Luminarium structure from Architects of Air, a company based in Nottingham, England. The Timisien is inspired by the Gaudi’s Casa Guell in Spain and the Romanian city of Timisoara, the cultural capital of Europe, and this is its world premiere. Allen Parkinson, founder and designer of Architects of Air, said, “I design luminaria because I want to share my sense of wonder at the phenomenon of light. A luminarium provides the frame for an encounter with a light whose surprising and simple intensity cuts through conditioned perception.” It’s a walk-in sculpture, an artistic celebration of light and colour, and a monumental inflatable to delight your summer.
Don’t forget to look up!
The Luminarium at TELUS Spark is an 11,000 square-foot, sensory experience. The natural lighting fills the space with colour and the curved walls draw you into a maze of tunnels. It’s meant to be a calming space, as soothing music plays, so people can enjoy their experience as they like it best: wandering down every corridor or sitting in a corner of light.
Enjoying the moment
What You Need to Know:
Luminarium is open from July 1 until August 1, 2022. It’s free with a Spark Membership and $3 with a General Admission ticket. Either way, be sure to book your timed ticket. Plan on 20 or 30 minutes inside.
You will need to remove your shoes and leave any large bags in the reception area. Strollers must remain outside, as well.
Every child under 16 must be accompanied by an adult and there is a strict ratio of one adult to four kids. This helps maintain a calm atmosphere, and as we were told, “The environment makes parents want to sleep and children want to run.” True.
Admission to Luminairum may vary due to inclement weather.
No food or drink is permitted inside, but water is permitted, and even recommended for hot days, as it could be quite warm inside.
We visited Luminarium on the night before it opened, a lovely summer evening in Calgary. It was wonderful to disappear into an enchanting, colourful world. Brighten up your summer with this fun experience at TELUS Spark!
TELUS Spark Luminarium:
When: July 1 – August 1, 2022
Time: Sunday to Thursday, 9 am – 5 pm; Friday to Saturday (and holidays), 9 am – 7 pm
Where: TELUS Spark
Address: 220 Saint George’s Drive Northeast, Calgary, AB
Website: www.sparkscience.ca
The outside of the Luminarium
The author would like to thank TELUS Spark for the experience at Luminarium, but all opinions are her own.
