Announcements
The Northern Lights in NYC: HERO’s Enchanted Winter Wonderland
As the city buzzed with holiday fervor and the iconic Christmas Tree illuminated the sky with over 50,000 lights, an underground wonderland awaited beneath Rockefeller Center. Entering HERO, a newly unveiled subterranean sanctuary dedicated to immersive sound and light experiences, visitors were transported to a wintery realm of magic and awe.
2 min read |
Apr 15, 2024
The Northern Lights in NYC: HERO’s enchanted winter wonderland
As the city buzzed with holiday fervor and the iconic Christmas Tree illuminated the sky with over 50,000 lights, an underground wonderland awaited beneath Rockefeller Center. Entering HERO, a newly unveiled subterranean sanctuary dedicated to immersive sound and light experiences, visitors were transported to a wintery realm of magic and awe.
HERO’s Inaugural Exhibition: Bringing the Aurora Borealis to New York
Nestled on the Rink Level, within the historic confines once occupied by the Rockefeller Center Finance Station post office, HERO unveiled its inaugural exhibition, "The Winter Forest of the Northern Lights." Curated to evoke the mystique of the season, this extraordinary showcase invited visitors on a journey through seven captivating art installations inspired by the enchanting landscapes and folklore of winter woodlands.
A New Type of Winter Lights in Rockefeller Center
The adventure began with a cinematic spectacle unfolding across a colossal 60-foot screen, painting vivid portraits of snow-draped forests and star-studded skies. Narrated tales of winter legends from diverse cultures set the stage for what lay ahead, as each installation wove a narrative through interactive multimedia elements.
Embarking on a sensory voyage crafted by a collective of visionary artists, composers, producers, and designers, visitors were enveloped in cutting-edge technology merging seamlessly with immersive video and spatial audio, heightening the experience to new dimensions. In one chamber, the ethereal melodies of Aaron Taylor Kuffner's Gameltron cast a spell, with kinetic sculptures orchestrating a symphony of gongs and metal instruments inspired by Indonesian gamelan music. Elsewhere, reflection pools, labyrinthine mazes, and opportunities for wishful pondering beckoned visitors to immerse themselves fully in the enchantment.
More to the Winter Immersive Experience in Rockefeller Center
At the heart of this wintery wonderland lay the Enchanted Cocoa Bar, a cozy retreat partnered with artisan chocolatiers Maison du Chocolat, offering indulgent hot beverages to warm the soul. And overhead, the aurora borealis danced across a mesmerizing display, inviting viewers to gaze upon its celestial splendor while frolicking amidst synthetic snow below.
The Inspiration Behind Bringing the Northern Lights to New York City
The masterminds behind HERO, including Max Pollack and Creative Director William Etundi, Jr., drew inspiration from a shared vision of collaborative creativity and immersive storytelling. Reflecting on the genesis of HERO, Pollack emphasized the desire to create an experiential space with purpose and depth, resonating with a broad audience hungry for meaningful encounters with art.
Rockefeller Center's legacy of technological innovation provided the perfect backdrop for HERO's audacious endeavors. Pollack noted the serendipitous alignment between the Center's storied history and HERO's mission of audio-visual exploration, echoing the pioneering spirit of RCA, once headquartered within these hallowed halls.
Northern Lights Become the Colors of Spring
As visitors bid farewell to "The Winter Forest of the Northern Lights" and emerged back into the bustling streets of New York City, they carried with them memories of a transcendent journey—a testament to the power of art to transport, inspire, and unite. In the subterranean sanctuary of HERO, a new chapter in the city's cultural landscape unfolded—one of boundless creativity, exploration, and wonder.
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