'Otherworldly' Luminarium appears in Bournemouth Lower Gardens

Located in the Lower Gardens, the Luminarium is described by the team behind it as a “large inflatable sculpture” and has been all around the world in 43 different countries. 

Made from 3mm thick PVC material, the Luminarium uses natural daylight to create colourful lights and patterns inside the six different rooms. 

Read more: Arts by the Sea 2022: what's happening where and when

Inside the Luminarium. Image by Richard Crease (Image: Richard Crease)

James Stephenson, Luminarium manager, said: “We ask people to come in, respect it as a sculpture, walk around and spend about 20 minutes inside.  

“You can sit, lie or relax inside. People think it’s done by electric lights, but it’s actually done by daylight outside. 

“We’re very grateful to Arts by the Sea for inviting us to Bournemouth.” 

More than three million visitors have seen the Luminarium and this is the first time it has been in Bournemouth in about 10 years. 

Inside the Luminarium. Image by Richard Crease (Image: Richard Crease)

“To make it, it takes eight months and we do one a year roughly. We also employ 10 people in the company,” added James. 

Claudia Lily, a fine art student, said: “I think it’s amazing, from the perspective of someone who does installation.  

Inside the 'otherworldly' sculpture called Luminarium in Bournemouth's Lower Gardens @Bournemouthecho. pic.twitter.com/fap8PHzGaC

— Matt Simpson (@MattSimpsonEcho) September 30, 2022

“It makes me feel a certain way and is also quite confusing in a good way. You can sit down and look up, and in doing so you think ‘wow!’.  

Inside the Luminarium. Image by Richard Crease (Image: NQ)

Rebecca Lewis described the Luminarium as “surreal”, adding: “Even from the outside it looks impressive, but when you come in it is otherworldly.” 

The Luminarium is here all weekend as part of the Arts by the Sea Festival and is open from 1pm on Friday, September 30 until 10pm and 10.30am to 7.30pm on Saturday and Sunday.