Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience

4.6(1494)

Duration: ~40 min VR · ~1 hour tot…

Experience: Immersive + VR

Format: Indoor · air-conditioned

Ages: 10+

Group size: Up to 6 per session

Experience highlights The experience

Bask in the Sun
Take a quick detour to the Sun to witness solar flares 30 times larger than Earth. Hear the Sun's vibrations. Feel the energy that powers all life on our planet, captured directly from NASA's Parker Solar Probe, the satellite responsible for making the closest-ever pass to the Sun and still operational today.
Witness a Spectacular Explosion
Watch a red supergiant star called Betelgeuse erupt in a supernova, its dying blast recycling star stuff into cosmic building blocks — the raw material for stars, planets, and maybe life.
Stand on the Shoulders of Giants
Witness the cosmos through the eyes of the world's most powerful telescopes in an experience built from real scientific data. Step onto the Hubble Space Telescope, the James Webb Space Telescope, and the Chandra X-ray Observatory as they reveal the universe's greatest mysteries.

On the day How it works

Check In
Please arrive 15 minutes early. Our team fits your wireless VR headset, provides accessibility accommodations, and answers any last-minute questions before launch.
Meet Your Crew
Explore with up to six guests as Astro, your virtual guide, leads the way through the cosmos. Each guest appears as a glowing avatar with a name label, making it easy to stay together throughout the adventure.
Explore the Universe
Your movements become part of the adventure. Pick up objects, activate controls, and interact with your surroundings as the mission unfolds around you.

Reviews What our guests say

4.6/5

based on 1494 reviews

Absolutely wonderful. An amazing experience. Would highly recommend.

Probably the best VR thing I've experienced - all the tech worked very well, great content too

excellent, very well presented and very informative

Stellar day out!

A spectacular interactive experience with incredibly beautiful imagery and a highly informative commentary.

Amazing

This was an amazing experience.

Breathtaking!

Very interesting

A brilliant experience-amazing visuals and audio. Highly recommended!

The experience, the content and the staff were all fantastic. One of our most favourite exhibitions🤩

Amazing experience really well done would definately do this again

That was AMAZING!

Better than I expected!

It was fabulous. The Pillars of Creation were incredible. Thank you for such a wonderful experience.

In short What to expect

Starstruck is a 40-minute, shared virtual reality experience developed with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. Groups of up to six guests wear lightweight, wireless headsets and move freely through a fully three-dimensional digital universe — guided by a virtual host named Astro, from the Whipple Observatory to distant stars, exoplanets, the Pillars of Creation, and a black hole. Visuals and narratives are informed by real data from NASA, ESA, Hubble, the James Webb Space Telescope, the Chandra X-ray Observatory and Smithsonian research.

About the venueScience Museum

Address
Exhibition Rd, SW7 2DD
Parking
No private parking on-site. A small number of accessible parking spaces are available on Exhibition Road for Blue Badge holders (up to 4 hours, 08:30–18:30); these spaces are managed by the local council rather than the museum and can't be booked in advance. Closest Underground station: South Kensington (~5 min walk).
Accessibility
The event is held in an accessible venue and includes accessible entrances and exits, restrooms, point of sales, seating areas, and accessible routes throughout the space. Developed in collaboration with the Smithsonian Office of Visitor Accessibility, the experience includes a range of accessibility features, including: - Closed captions - Audio descriptions - Assistive listening devices (subject to onsite stock availability) - Wheelchair-optimized viewing mode - Optional "extra space" setting (adds a visible red bubble around you so other guests keep a comfortable distance) - Trained Fever staff available as sighted guides - Complimentary companion tickets

FAQs Got questions? We've got answers

What can I expect from the event?

Starstruck is a 40-minute, shared virtual reality experience in which groups of up to six guests explore the cosmos together, guided by a virtual host named Astro — from the Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory to stars, exoplanets, the Pillars of Creation, and a black hole. Developed by the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory and Fever, with Smithsonian Enterprises overseeing the collaboration.

How long does the experience last?

The core experience lasts approximately 40 minutes. Guests should plan for additional time for check-in, orientation, and headset fitting.

Is there a dress code?

We recommend dressing comfortably and wearing suitable shoes. Please refrain from wearing hats or caps because you will wear a VR headset. For everyone's safety, backpacks and handbags must be stored in the lockers provided on-site (free of charge).

What is the recommended age for children to attend?

Due to the fit of the headset and for the safety of all participants, children aged 10+ are welcome. All children aged 10–17 must be accompanied by an adult.

Is there parking available?

The venue does not have private parking. A small number of accessible parking spaces are available on Exhibition Road for Blue Badge holders (up to 4 hours, 08:30–18:30); these spaces are managed by the local council rather than the museum and can't be booked in advance.

Is there Virtual Reality?

Yes, the experience uses wireless, free-roam VR headsets with real-time motion tracking. Guests' physical movements, gestures, and positioning are mirrored in the virtual environment, enabling natural, intuitive exploration. The system supports shared experiences with up to 6 participants, and includes interactive elements that allow guests to engage directly with the environment and narrative.

Will there be strobe lights?

No. This experience does not include strobe lighting effects.

Can virtual reality be uncomfortable or unsuitable for some guests?

Virtual reality is designed to be immersive and enjoyable, but some individuals may experience discomfort while using a VR headset. The experience may not be suitable for guests with claustrophobia or vertigo. Guests prone to motion sickness may experience symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, or drowsiness during or after the experience.

Can guests with heart conditions or epilepsy participate?

We strongly recommend that guests with heart conditions, epilepsy, or seizure-related conditions consult a physician before participating. Immersive virtual reality experiences may increase the risk of adverse health effects for some individuals.

Is the experience safe during pregnancy?

Some individuals may be more susceptible to dizziness or fainting during pregnancy, and the experience takes place on a hard walking surface throughout. For these reasons, we do not generally recommend the experience for pregnant guests; guests who choose to participate should consult their doctor beforehand.

Does the experience accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility aids?

Yes, during headset setup, guests can select either a "Wheelchair" or "Extra Space" option to personalize the experience for their mobility needs. The "Wheelchair" option optimizes the experience for seated viewing. The "Extra Space" option provides additional room around a guest's avatar to accommodate mobility aids such as canes, walkers, crutches, and similar devices.

Is it possible to wear eyeglasses?

Yes, our staff are on hand to show guests how to position the headset correctly. Note to any visitors wearing prescription glasses: we advise using standard, single focus glasses, as other types such as varifocals may lower the overall viewing experience.

Links of interest