In the summer of 1987, a fantastical fairground unlike any ever witnessed landed in Hamburg, Germany. Imagined and lead by Austrian artist, author and pop star André Heller, this was the world’s first art amusement park with rides, games, and attractions by visionary artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Salvador Dalí, Sonia Delaunay, and David Hockney.
Some called it a “fairground of sensations.” Others dubbed it “the museum of the future.” André named it Luna Luna.
More than a decade earlier, André Heller began envisioning Luna Luna, inspired by the Prater amusement park in his childhood home, Vienna. His goal was to create a world in which art could be accessible and engaging to all. The artist and curator invited over thirty renowned visionaries to design rides, games, and attractions into one extravaganza for all to enjoy.
Logistical issues eventually closed the park and locked away the artwork. The park’s treasures were sealed in 44 shipping containers and forgotten in Texas—until now.
Today, Luna Luna lives on, uniting amusement with the avant-garde to inspire the imagination in everyone. The next chapter began with Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy—a spectacular showcase of the 1987 park—on view in Los Angeles. This project is ongoing; while 16 of the works are on view at “Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy,” including the works by Basquiat, Haring, and Dalí, others are still being restored.
The exhibit is backed by hip-hop artist Drake and his entertainment firm, DreamCrew, and will run through spring 2024. Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy is located at 1601 E 6th St in Downtown Los Angeles
Click here to purchase tickets, learn more about the artists, and enjoy this incredible experience.
THE WATERS EDIT 