IMAGINATOR (formerly Imaginaria) is an immersive play experience for all ages, and it’s opened up again until Sunday, 9 July 2023. It’s a magical experience perfect for kids and adults alike!
What is IMAGINATOR?
IMAGINATOR is located under the Melbourne Star in the heart of The District Docklands – you can’t miss the big white tents that surround it. It is a play experience enclosed by a giant inflatable bubble (over 1000m2), with interactive sensory input including light, sound and colour.
IMAGINATOR uses design and technology to inspire your sense of wonder and imagination as you are transported to another world.
Contributors to IMAGINATOR‘s design and creation include fashion designers, architects, musicians, audiovisual artists, sculptors, stunt men and circus stars.
The vast space is divided into separate spaces that you will journey through during your visit, with a Secret Garden, Echo Cave, Light Maze, Infinity Bubble and Black Hole.
Since our initial visit to the previous Imaginaria, IMAGINATOR has expanded their immersive exhibition to include two new mind-bending installations, including SHAPE – a vivid, soft and sensory landscape to consume you. SHIFT – A tactile reinvention of waves that leaves you questioning your senses.
Installations explore themes of science fiction, artificial intelligence and trans-humanism creating dreamlike landscapes that blur the line between reality and future fantasy.
Numbers are capped per session, so you will have lots of space to explore. There’s limited entry, distance between groups, and regular cleaning.
Who is IMAGINATOR designed for?
Both adults and children are factored into IMAGINATOR‘s experience – anyone can play!
While some areas were designed for primary school aged children, alternative pathways are available for each visitor to enjoy a unique journey.
We find the ‘bouncy castle’ installations a bit hectic at times, particularly the hidden away corner where there are large foam blocks to build structures. Lady AB and Baby 2.0 build a huge iceberg/cubby before anyone else discovers the space!
Do I need tickets to IMAGINATOR?
Yes, you’ll need to buy tickets to enter IMAGINATOR. You can purchase online from Ticketmaster, or you can purchase from the ticket booth (if there are remaining tickets available).
Tickets start at $29.95 or $88.00 for 2 adults and 2 kids.
If you are unable to attend your booked session, it’s possible to change your tickets for another available time on the Ticketmaster site.
IMAGINATOR details to know:
IMAGINATOR is a timed event, with each session running for an hour. Ticket holders should arrive at the departure lounge 15 minutes prior to their session. We find that one hour is enough time explore everything – it’s not a large space but there are many ways to interact with the different elements.
You can take photographs to your hearts content (I certainly did), but there’s one secret space where photographs are not allowed.
You’ll need to take your shoes off when entering IMAGINATOR, and you’ll be provided with a pair of socks to wear for the duration of your experience. It’s best not to take large / bulky bags.
