Step into the immersive realm of "Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy," a long-abandoned artistic amusement park, resurrected after 35 years of seclusion. First conceptualized in the 1980s, this park offered an unprecedented collaboration between legendary artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Salvador Dalí, and Keith Haring, integrating their styles into fantastical rides and attractions.
Welcome to the wondrous Luna Luna as you traverse the vast, 60,000-square-meter grounds now filled with creativity. The instant you step foot inside, the imaginative prowess of the artists springs to life: Keith Haring's energetic graffiti rings around a hand-painted carousel; David Hockney's whimsical "Magic Tree" resembles a Disney-esque prop. Jongleurs, floating performers, and puppeteers from the Bob Baker Marionette Theater mingle among the chaos, expressing admiration to the original performers. Strolling performers, pantomimes, and other theater artists complete the enticing spectacle.
Dazzling carnival lights illuminate Kenny Scharf's psychedelic stand-up chair ride, one of the iconic attractions. Check out André Heller's own contribution - anarchic wedding chapels, where park-goers could "marry" whoever they pleased.
The park originally opened in the summer of 1987 in Hamburg, Germany, and was the brainchild of Austrian artist, author, and pop star André Heller. Inspired by his childhood experiences at the Prater amusement park in Vienna, he envisioned a place where art was accessible and participatory for all. Heller told the New York Times in 2022 that he wanted to "build a bridge between the so-called avant-garde artists who can sometimes be a bit snobbish and don't reach out to the masses," as well as everyday people.
Heller audaciously secured a six-figure grant from the German magazine Die Neue Revue, which he used to travel the world and convince more than 30 renowned creative visionaries, including Ingmar Bergman, James Joyce, and Henry Miller, to contribute to Luna Luna[1].
British artist David Hockney worked on a design for his "Magic Tree" attraction around 1986.
The children (and costumed performers) were captivated by Kenny Scharf's painted swing ride.
Renowned artist Keith Haring posed with his painted carousel.
Visitors braved the lines to ride Harlem's painted carousel.
Performers posed before a mural also contributed to "Luna Luna" by Keith Haring.
Flamingo-riding jockeys entertained the crowd by the Sonia Delaunay-designed gate at the entrance to Luna Luna.
Visitors waited in line to ride the fiery carnival ride painted by Jean-Michel Basquiat.
Basquiat sketched a design for his fiery carnival ride.
A selfie from the kaleidoscopic interior of Salvador Dalí's Dalídom.
An aerial view of Luna Luna installed in Hamburg's Moorweidepark.
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[Enrichment Data: Revival of Luna Luna]
After years of dormancy, the Art Amusement Park "Luna Luna" was rediscovered and resurrected in 2022. The revival was made possible by the support of rapper Drake and his entertainment company, DreamCrew. The effort to revive Luna Luna was meticulous, with the team meticulously restoring original artworks and installations, bringing Heller’s vision back for a new generation.
Despite the inability to ride the attractions due to safety concerns, the exhibit at The Shed in New York City simulates the atmosphere of an amusement park at night, with ambient music, lighting, and interactive performances to enhance the overall experience. Visitors can explore the vibrant and immersive environment, including rides and installations by Keith Haring, Roy Lichtenstein, and Kenny Scharf.
The revival of Luna Luna not only preserves its artistic significance but also provides a unique cultural experience, allowing visitors to step into a piece of lost art history.
Step back in time and experience the vibrant mixture of art and amusement in Luna Luna as its enchanting attractions come to life once again. After 35 years of seclusion, Luna Luna has returned, promising to inspire and captivate visitors with its imaginative rides, surreal installations, and magical experience.
[1] CNN - Art Amusement Park comes back to life at The Shed after 35 years (Retrieved February 4, 2023 from )
[2] Sydney Morning Herald - The 1980s art theme park that never truly faded away (Retrieved February 4, 2023 from )
[3] The Guardian - The lost amusement park of the 1980s that came back to life in New York (Retrieved February 4, 2023 from )
