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.
Gallery Witness the universe in motion
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.
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 venueDanube Tower
The Immersive Center Donauturm is a modern venue for digital art, immersive exhibitions, and innovative event formats. Located right next to the Danube Tower, the site combines a unique setting with a striking, contemporary building. With a focus on virtual reality, interactive installations, and multimedia productions, the center creates immersive experiences that actively engage visitors and open up new perspectives.
Address
Donauturmplatz 1, Wien, 1220
Parking
Parking is available at the Donauturm.
Accessibility
The venue is fully accessible, with accessible entrances and exits, restrooms, points of sale, seating areas and accessible routes throughout the building. Step-free access makes the space fully usable for wheelchairs and other mobility aids. 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-optimised 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 6 guests explore the cosmos together. Each guest wears a lightweight, wireless VR headset and moves freely through a fully three-dimensional digital universe, 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 (SAO) and Fever, with Smithsonian Enterprises overseeing the collaboration. Visuals and narratives are based on data from NASA, ESA, the Hubble Space Telescope, the James Webb Space Telescope, the Chandra X-ray Observatory and SAO research.
How long does the experience last?
The immersive virtual reality experience lasts around 40 minutes. Please allow about 1 hour in total, as you'll need to store your belongings and collect and return your equipment.
Is there a dress code?
We recommend dressing comfortably and wearing suitable shoes. Please avoid hats or caps, as you'll be wearing a VR headset. For everyone's safety, backpacks and handbags must be stored in the lockers provided on-site.
What is the recommended age for children to attend?
The minimum age for the immersive VR expedition is 6, though the experience suits children aged 9 and up better. Children aged 6 to 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Parents and/or legal guardians are solely responsible for any children in their group.
Is there parking available?
Yes, parking is available at the Donauturm.
Is there Virtual Reality?
Yes, the experience uses wireless 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 let guests 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?
No. Unfortunately, guests with heart conditions, implanted medical devices, or epilepsy cannot take part in this immersive virtual reality expedition.
Is the experience safe during pregnancy?
Some individuals may be more prone to dizziness or fainting during pregnancy, and the whole experience takes place on a hard walking surface. For these reasons, we generally don't recommend the experience for pregnant guests. VR content itself is not known to be harmful during pregnancy, but guests who choose to take part should consult their doctor beforehand.
Does the experience accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility aids?
Yes, during headset setup guests can choose either a "Wheelchair" or "Extra Space" option to personalise the experience for their mobility needs. The "Wheelchair" option optimises the experience for seated viewing. The "Extra Space" option adds 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 for anyone wearing prescription glasses: we recommend using standard, single-focus glasses, as other types such as varifocals may reduce the quality of the viewing experience.
What language is the experience available in?
You can enjoy the experience in two languages: German and English.
Select date and session
Select date and session
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