It’s the weekend—time to break out of your neighborhood and explore the vibrant city of Chicago. Rediscover the charm of “the people’s pier,” Navy Pier. Yes, Navy Pier has evolved since your last IMAX visit (which, by the way, is no longer there). Now, it offers an array of attractions, including the cutting-edge ILLUMINARIUM. Imagine VR without the glasses.

Illuminarium, a groundbreaking global experiential entertainment company, was created by leaders in cinematic immersion, theatrical design, and venue operations. It is making its grand entrance at Chicago’s iconic Navy Pier this summer. Opening its doors on Friday, June 28, this immersive venue will debut with two breathtaking experiences: WILD: A Safari Experience and SPACE: A Journey to the Moon and Beyond. Known as “the place that can take you anyplace,” this awe-inspiring 32,000-square-foot entertainment venue will occupy the former Crystal Gardens site. It marks Illuminarium’s fifth location following Las Vegas, Atlanta, Toronto, and Macau, China.

“We are elated the time is officially here for us to introduce Chicago to what we hope will be an unforgettable adventure,” said Alan Greenberg, CEO of Illuminarium Experiences. “Illuminarium is a totally transportive experience with some of the most amazing, inspiring spectacles from around the world and beyond. We hope audiences of all ages will come to Navy Pier, check us out, and leave feeling inspired and wanting more.”

Using cutting-edge technologies, Illuminarium’s visually-stunning venue will transport locals and visitors of all ages to places they previously could only dream of experiencing. By enabling audiences to see, hear, and even personally affect an experience, Illuminarium places patrons “inside” the narrative using techniques from traditional motion picture production and virtual reality, paired with interactive features that mimic the real world, all without wearable hardware.

WILD: A Safari Experience offers an idyllic journey through the vast beauty and splendor of Africa, fully immersing visitors in the authentic sounds and scenes of an extraordinary safari. This experience allows them to come face-to-face with some of the world’s most majestic animals in their natural habitats.

SPACE: A Journey to the Moon and Beyond takes patrons on a mind-blowing journey through space and time. Audiences will experience firsthand what it is like to walk on the Moon, step inside a nebula, or see the James Webb Space Telescope unfurl in space, all while being enveloped in the beauty of our galaxies and Solar System.

These experiences are not seated shows; instead, patrons can walk through the space at their leisure. Designed to entertain ages 3 to 103, visitors can choose their adventure, as both experiences will be played daily. Illuminarium Experiences typically take about 45 to 60 minutes. Tickets start at $34.99 for adults and $24.99 for children, plus taxes and fees.

For more information on Illuminarium @ Navy Pier or to plan ahead and purchase tickets today, please visit illuminarium.com/chicago. Once open, Illuminarium will also host show-stopping private events, including birthdays, weddings, and corporate functions, adding a stunning visual setting for special occasions of all types.

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