Out-of-This-World, Largest-Ever Virtual Reality Experience Lands in Sawyer Yards

Out-of-This-World, Largest-Ever Virtual Reality Experience Lands in Sawyer Yards

IT'S FITTING THAT the world's largest in-person virtual-reality experience will make its U.S. debut in Texas, where everything's bigger. Not only that, the outer-space-themed multi-sensory installation, dubbed The Infinite, will arrive in Space City, touching down in Sawyer Yards on Dec. 20.


The 12,500-square-foot exhibition is an extension of the Emmy-winning interactive series Space Explorers: The ISS Experience, a multiplatform production filmed by and documenting the lives of astronauts aboard the International Space Station. More than 200 hours — and counting! — or VR footage has been filmed over the course of several years.

Visitors to The Infinite can explore a life-size replica of the ISS, and interact with various art, soundscapes, lighting design and scents throughout the 60-minute experience. Plus, the Houston iteration will include brand-new 360-degree, virtual-reality footage shot just last month outside the ISS.

"The Infinite experience is unlike any other exhibition examining space," says Phoebe Greenberg, project's chief creative officer. "Using architectural design, free-roaming technology and commissioned artwork from Japanese artist Ryoji Ikeda, we were inspired by humanity's global fascination with space, integrating a poetic point of view of the astronauts. It was vital for us to transport the public to the particularities of life in space and [allow them to] feel their presence onboard and outside the ISS."

A joint venture produced by PHI Studio and Felix & Paul Studios, The Infinite is currently installed in Montreal. Houston tickets are on sale now.

People + Places
Fall Philanthropy Report: Urban Harvest Farmers Market Helps ‘Transform Food Accessibility’

What year was your organization launched? Urban Harvest’s Saturday Farmers Market started in 2004 with just seven vendors, providing an outlet for local farms, community and backyard gardeners to sell fresh produce harvested directly from their soils. Now in its 20th year, the market has grown to be one of the largest markets in Texas, supporting over 100 local farmers, ranchers, and food artisans all from within 180 miles of Houston. The market draws 3,000 customers every Saturday morning and includes many original vendors like Animal Farm, Atkinson Farms, and Wood Duck Farm.

Keep Reading Show less

THERE'S A MOMENT just before dusk when everything turns to gold—the light softens, the world slows, and indulgence feels not just necessary, but deserved. Welcome to Golden Hour at The Marigold Club, where opulence meets effortless charm and your midweek unwind turns into an exquisite ritual.

Keep Reading Show less

Fashion show winner Buttercup

IT DOESN'T GET any cuter than a bulldog in a tiny cowboy hat, does it?! At least that's what supporters of Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston sure think after its successful annual Wags and Whiskers bash at Hotel ZaZa.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties