Luna Luna, the mythical art carnival conceived by Viennese artist André Heller in the 1980s, has finally made its way to New York City. Initially a fantastical fusion of art and amusement, the carnival enlisted the creative genius of icons like Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Roy Lichtenstein to craft immersive experiences rather than mere installations. Though it first dazzled audiences in Hamburg, Germany, back in 1987, its spiritual home was always the vibrant streets of New York—a city synonymous with avant-garde creativity.
After 37 years, Luna Luna has been resurrected at The Shed, open until January 5, 2025. This revival is the brainchild of Michael Goldberg from Something Special Studios, who unearthed the carnival’s forgotten legacy online and discovered its artifacts languishing in 44 shipping containers in Texas. Seizing the moment, Goldberg offered to rekindle this dormant dream. With a substantial $100 million infusion from Drake’s entertainment company, DreamCrew, Luna Luna was reborn.
The reimagined carnival showcases 13 restored rides alongside a new piece by Puerto Rican duo Poncilí Creación, creating a surreal tapestry of art and nostalgia. While the original attractions are too delicate for direct interaction, dynamic lighting designed by John Torres—renowned for his work with Robert Wilson, Solange, and Lady Gaga—breathes life into the space. The project’s creative director, Charles Dorrance King, notes that the lighting adds “a touch of dynamism and momentum to prompt enthusiasm to use your imagination.”
Towering above is Basquiat’s ferris wheel, adorned with homages to jazz legend Charlie Parker and stark references to racism, including the phrase “Jim Crow.” The ambient strains of Miles Davis’ “Tutu” invite visitors to envision the wheel’s gentle rotation. Dalí’s mirror room offers a disorienting yet mesmerizing experience, enveloping guests in infinite reflections true to the Surrealist master’s style. Haring’s carousel bursts with joy, featuring his signature radiant babies spinning beneath a canopy of vibrant hues—a celebration of innocence and a momentary escape from reality. Crafted just three years before Haring’s passing from AIDS-related complications, the carousel resonates as a poignant quest for comfort amid chaos—a sentiment that feels remarkably timely.
Blending art, history, and sheer wonder, Luna Luna stands as this year’s unmissable exhibition. Tickets start at $44 per person, and it’s an experience you won’t want to let slip by.
