Luna Luna, the groundbreaking art amusement park that debuted in 1987, has made a triumphant return with “Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy.” Opened in December 2023, this remarkable exhibition in Los Angeles brings back the magic of the world’s first art-themed amusement park.
ART
Conceived by the visionary Austrian artist André Heller, Luna Luna originally emerged in Hamburg, Germany, during the summer of 1987. It represented an innovative fusion of art and amusement, featuring the works of over 30 iconic artists, including Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, David Hockney, Roy Lichtenstein, Kenny Scharf and Salvador Dalí. This unique park combined various artistic movements, such as Abstract Expressionism, Dada, Pop Art, and Surrealism, offering an avant-garde experience.
Luna Luna, LLC
After its initial success, Luna Luna encountered legal issues and changes in ownership, leading to its disappearance for more than thirty years. The recent acquisition and revival of the original artworks by DreamCrew, led by Drake‘s manager Adel “Future” Nur, has facilitated this spectacular reopening.
Sabina Sarnitz. Courtesy Luna Luna, LLC
“Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy” showcases meticulously restored attractions, including Basquiat’s full-size Ferris wheel, Haring’s carousel, and Hockney’s Enchanted Tree pavilion. Located in a 60,000-square-foot warehouse complex in East Los Angeles, the exhibition also presents mixed-media showcases and archival materials, exploring Luna Luna’s history and context.
Curated by Lumi Tan and team, with Helen Molesworth as an advisor, the exhibition offers a blend of art history and amusement. Highlights include André Heller’s Wedding Chapel, interactive performances, and music, integral to the original Luna Luna experience. The Luna Luna Shop features a selection of new and archival items, such as artist-designed posters and merchandise.
For the exhibition, Luna Luna reissued its book documenting the 1987 event, now available in English. “Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy” is open to the public, inviting visitors to explore a fascinating world where art and play intersect.
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