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
In Time for 'Movember,' Top Spa Pro Offers Tips for Men Looking to Make the Most of a Spa Visit

AS WE MOVE into Movember, men’s mental health is a big topic. In fact, men can get a lot of benefit, both mentally and physically by taking advantage of everything a spa has to offer. LeBrina Jackson, owner of Escape Spa, has the answers

How does Escape Spa cater to men? We designed Escape Spa to ensure both men and women feel comfortable and welcome. From our earth tones to our luxury brown unisex robes, this is not a pampering palace but a rejuvenation destination.

Keep ReadingShow less

Sylvia Casares

MANY OF THE city’s who’s-who gathered at the city’s buzziest venue to toast Houston CityBook’s 2024 “Leaders & Legends,” presented by The Village of River Oaks.

Keep ReadingShow less
Food+Travel

Lynn Wyatt and Steve Wyatt

IT'S BEEN A century since what’s now known as the Museum of Fine Arts Houston debuted, and the society set celebrated the 100-year milestone in high style. Some 375 guests turned out for the 2024 Grand Gala Ball at the museum, raising $5.5 million in total, including Nancy and Rich Kinder’s $1 million gift and another hefty gift from J. Venn Leeds.

Keep ReadingShow less
Art+Culture