Luna Luna. Photo by Elise Thompson
In the summer of 1987, artist and curator André Heller invited over thirty celebrated artists to help him create Luna Luna, a fantastical fairground in Hamburg, Germany. Salvador Dalí, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, David Hockney and Sonia Delaunay, plus many others created surreal and artistic rides, and attractions.
Be amazed and delighted by Jean-Michel Basquiat’s Ferris wheel, covered with doodles and drawings, some fun, some political. Keith Haring’s Industrially fabricated tarps and merry-gp-round, David Hockney’s round Enchanted Tree, Roy Lichtenstein’s Luna Luna Pavilion, and Kenny Scharf’s Painted chair swing ride.
Instead of become a touring attraction, the rides were sealed into shipping containers where they languished for 37 years in Texas.
“Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy,” resurrected the rides to recreate the fantastical fairground. While visitors cannot ride the artist-designed rides due to their delicate state, they can pose in cut-outs, marry whomever or whatever they wish at André Heller’s Wedding Chapel, and with a little extra money, the Moon Pass grants entry into immersive pavilions by David Hockney, Roy Lichtenstein and Salvador Dalí. The other two aren’t really worth it, but the Dali Dome is worth the upgrade.
Performers, including stilt-walkers, jugglers, and puppeteers from Bob Baker’s Marionettes, some cute, some a little creepy. roam the grounds as a playful homage to the original park. There is also a gift shop and light refreshments.
Tickets: $42 – $47. Kids 12 and under get in free. There is a special right now if you buy two tickets you get a third ticket free, good news for all you thruples out there. Moon pass $85. Accessible except for a few steps to enter pavilions. WEBSITE
Hours
Monday & Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 12pm – 8pm
Thursday: 12 pm – 8pm
Friday: 12pm – 9pm
Saturday: 10am – 9pm
Sunday: 11am – 7pm
Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy is located in DTLA at 1601 E 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90023. Guests are instructed to enter through E 6th St & S Anderson St. Parking in adjacent lot for $15. No cash on site.
