Manchester is set to become a gateway to the cosmos with the arrival of Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience, opening on 9 July in the heart of the Northern Quarter, following its UK debut in London in late June.
This free-roam, interactive journey invites visitors to witness the birth and death of stars, explore distant galaxies, and come face-to-face with a black hole, all without leaving Earth.
Developed in collaboration with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO), the pioneering research centre founded in 1890, Starstruck draws on decades of astronomical research to translate scientific data into a fully immersive, interactive and walkable universe. Built from real astronomical data, Starstruck is far more than an exhibition – it is a cosmic journey that dissolves the boundary between observer and observed, allowing guests to activate their senses as they touch, hear and navigate the wonders of the universe like never before.
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During the experience, guests travel alongside some of humanity’s most powerful observatories, including the Hubble Space Telescope, the James Webb Space Telescope, and the Chandra X‑ray Observatory, journeying far beyond Earth and deep into the cosmos. Along the way, they encounter extreme exoplanets, witness the life cycle of stars and explore the immense scale of galaxies and black holes, gaining a deeper understanding of humanity’s place in the universe.
“Smithsonian Starstruck reflects years of thoughtful collaboration across the Smithsonian,” said Denise Elliott, acting president of Smithsonian Enterprises. “By working closely with SAO and Fever, we’re extending Smithsonian science and storytelling into an immersive format that reaches new audiences while supporting our mission.”
“This project demonstrates how immersive experiences can make complex scientific ideas more tangible and engaging,” said Randall Smith, associate director for science at the Center for Astrophysics at SAO. “It’s exciting to see astronomical data translated into an experience that encourages curiosity and exploration.”
Smithsonian Starstruck begins atop SAO’s Whipple Observatory, where a cosmic guide, Astro, awaits. From this summit, the journey launches into deep space aboard the world’s most powerful telescopes (Hubble, JWST, and Chandra), revealing the vastness and wonder of the universe like never before.
Visitors then drift through a breathtaking 3D expanse, gliding past thousands of galaxies, racing through the Milky Way, and soaring close to the Sun to witness its immense energy. Along the way, they encounter extreme exoplanet worlds, a dying star, and the edge of a supermassive black hole, capturing the scale and beauty of space.
Smithsonian Starstruck honours centuries of scientific curiosity and innovation, demonstrating how curiosity and exploration continue to expand our understanding of the universe, and placing visitors within the story of discovery itself, from the Big Bang to the Milky Way to the solar system, illustrating that humans are not just observers of the cosmos, but part of it.
Bringing Starstruck to the heart of Manchester marks the latest addition to Fever’s growing portfolio of immersive cultural experiences worldwide. It follows the experience’s premiere in Washington D.C. and its UK debut at the Science Museum in London.
“We’re proud to have developed this new immersive experience in collaboration with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO), the largest astrophysics research centre in the world. This partnership has enabled us to ensure scientific accuracy down to the smallest detail to make the observatory’s incredible research within reach to audiences,” said Alex Winterbotham, global director of production for VR at Fever.
Practical Information:
- Opening Date: 9 July, 2026
- Location: Transmission House, 11 Tib St, Manchester, M4 1AF
- Duration: ~40 minutes
- Recommended Age: 10+
- Tickets: Available exclusively through the Fever app and website
Starstruck also incorporates accessibility features such as captions, visual descriptions, wheelchair-optimized viewing, assistive listening devices, complimentary companion access and monthly low-sensory days. Trained staff and fully accessible venues help ensure a welcoming experience for all.
