38,000 visitors to date as Breathe | Mauri Ora enters final days at Te Papa
[Images for media use available here]
Breathe | Mauri Ora – an immersive journey into nature by Marshmallow Laser Feast will soon close at Te Papa on 27 April.
Since opening in December, over 38,000 visitors have explored this ground-breaking digital art experience created by London-based art collective Marshmallow Laser Feast, listening to the dulcet tones of Cate Blanchett’s guided meditation, and taking extraordinary journeys through the breath itself.
Described by visitors as “transformative”, “metaphysical”, and “deeply experiential”, the multisensory experience has been drawing visitors of all ages.
“The audience feedback has been incredible. Wellingtonians should book tickets now – it’s their last chance to see this extraordinary experience,” says exhibition co-curator Dr Rebecca Rice.
Exhibition by numbers
Over 38,000 visitors.
Over 24,000 visitors from out of town and overseas.
Over 1,000 visitors explored the exhibition’s themes through a special events season.
96,536,800 pixels of digital art in the exhibition.
Over 200,000 minutes of “mind-blowing” virtual reality.
Almost 1,000 students engaged with the exhibition through Te Papa’s learning programme of specialised tours and workshops.
Over 100 square metres of reflective floor vinyl.
83% of visitors from Wellington City and Region agree that events like Breathe | Mauri Ora make Wellington a more enjoyable place to live.
75% of visitors from outside the Wellington Region, agree that events like Breathe | Mauri Ora make Wellington a more appealing travel destination.
85 speakers were used to create the exhibition’s immersive soundscape.
13 high-resolution projectors were used to create the multisensory experience.
Dr Thom Linley, co-curator of Breathe | Mauri Ora, acknowledges how the exhibition gives people a deep understanding of the natural world, and our place within it.
“I’ve been struck by how people from very different backgrounds felt a connection to their own cultural understandings. There’s a universal truth in these works, and that includes contemporary science as well.”
For some, the impact was unexpectedly measurable. During a guided tour, one visitor’s fitness watch alerted to a relaxed physiological state – something she described as very rare.
Dr Rebecca Rice highlights the unique role the gallery space plays in shaping the exhibition’s sense of wonder.
“Through these works of art, we’re reminded of our connectedness to the world around us. I’ve loved seeing how Marshmallow Laser Feast have harnessed the power of digital art to convey those ideas, creating a beautiful exhibition experience that gently moves you from one moment to the next.”
This major exhibition is created by ACMI – Australia’s national museum of screen culture based in Melbourne, Victoria.
Te Papa acknowledges the generosity and support of our destination partner, Wellington City Council, major exhibition partners, Panasonic, Te Papa Foundation, Go Media, and Wellington Airport, and exhibition partners, Beca, Dulux, and British Council New Zealand and the Pacific.
Breathe | Mauri Ora – an immersive journey into nature by Marshmallow Laser Feast closes at Te Papa at 6pm on 27 April.
ENDS
Media contact:
Heather Byrne | P: 029 601 0120 | E: Heather.Byrne@tepapa.govt.nz