On Saturday we ventured into the magical dome of the Luminarium at Lakeside Arts…
The Luminarium is a hand made inflatable structure which took six months to produce, all made in Nottingham by Architects of Air. The Luminarium proudly sits on the grass at Lakeside Arts and will be open to the public until Sunday 2 June. The Nottingham-based company has delivered amazing experiences for local families for over thirty years, now making these luminaria hugely popular all over the world
It is a paradox that such a stimulating environment can also be so calming, comforting and many people find the luminarium a place for rest or contemplation. No two visits to a structure are alike as the atmosphere inside alters according to changing weather and light outside. How the visitor responds to the luminarium modifies the experience for other visitors - each visitor becomes part of a living, inhabited sculpture that is the luminarium experience.
As a family we ventured down to see what all of the fuss was about and we were pleasantly surprised at how much a beautiful inflatable dome truly is inside especially for little ones. We took Silvia, our seventeen month old daughter with us and she spent the entire time running back and forth into the different spaces. Of course we kept an eye on her as she explored the beautiful colours and patterns of each inflatable dome, everyone was asked not to slide on the sides of the dome as it could tear. We respectfully kept to the rules but still Silvia really enjoyed herself. There were times she laid on the floor and just gazed up at the ceiling of lights, glistening from the brightness of outside. You could hear the laughter of children all around you. It really was a special occasion for a family. The luminarium is also great for disabled users, wheelchairs were seen inside and the whole experience was a magical spectacle for young and old.
It was a great photo opportunity for everyone and also a calming experience as well. Others sat inside the hidey-holes of the dome and spent a bit of time by themselves. I too had a chance to sit and take in the experience while my partner walked and sometimes ran after my daughter, which was great for me to have a bit of time to myself.
If you are looking for a fun activity for all of the family, I would highly recommend the Luminarium experience.
Read our article on the story behind the Luminarium makers Architects of Air here!
The Luminimax Luminarium is at Lakeside Arts until Sunday 2 June. Click here to buy tickets.
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