Immersive Experiences to Snap ‘n’ Share

Exhibitions and museums used to be sacred places: no food, no photos, and definitely no touching of the works. With the rise of Instagram, however, the idea of traditional exhibitions have evolved into immersive experiences that make art more accessible than ever. Featuring photogenic and interactive displays, these Insta-worthy locations encourage visitors to share images of their experiences online, and also allow us to see that, with a big idea and a little imagination, a space can turn into an experience that can inspire a snapshot in time – or, a thousand…

See, and taste, a rainbow

First opened in San Francisco in 2017, the Color Factory is an interactive art exhibit dedicated to all things colour. Originally intended as a one-month pop-up, it had been so popular that it is now a permanent museum in Houston and New York City. Through site-specific artworks created in collaboration with community partners such as NASA, the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston and the Cooper-Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, the Color Factory uses colours to bring a sense of place and a unique experience that engages visitors’ senses in different ways.

Entering the Color Factory is like entering a rainbow: you are surrounded by vibrant hues, with each room featuring interactive installations such as multicoloured xylophones, a colour personality booth, and a giant ball pit. It’s also an adventure for the taste buds – think colourful macarons, mochi and ice cream. Offering more than just photo ops, it promises a fun, multisensorial journey for the whole family.

Enter the world of fashion photography 

Last year, over 100 iconic fashion images were showcased at ArtisTree’s Beyond Fashion exhibition. While the striking works by acclaimed photographers such as Nick Knight and Peter Lindbergh were captured and shared on social media by many, the truly Insta-worthy moments took place at the Beyond Dinner, a pop-up culinary experience accompanying the programme.

For several evenings, the gallery-like space transformed into a dining room, with a long table taking centre stage. Cameras (and phones) started clicking as soon as the six-course dinner prepared by Michelin-starred Chef Mike Bagale was served. Inspired by the fashion images, the dishes were as photogenic as they could get – there were gemstone-shaped canapés, illuminated ice orbs and edible balloons. From the masterpieces on walls to those on plates, art was the central thread running through the event, creating a seamless, memorable audience journey.     

Indulge the sweet tooth

I scream, you scream, we all scream…Considered a pioneer of the experiential museum trend, the Museum of Ice Cream (MOIC) started out in 2016 as an experimental project in New York City targeting millennials. Turning an empty retail space into a confection-themed funhouse, the show was sold out in three days, and has since toured the US with pop-ups in Los Angeles and Miami, as well as holds two permanent locations in San Francisco and New York City.

MOIC is a playground for both children and children-at-heart. With rooms decked in bright pink and numerous props and installations inspired by all things ice cream, dip into a sprinkle pool, pose with unicorns, and most importantly, indulge in samples of MOIC’s speciality ice cream. It’s a participatory journey that combines engaging activities with Instagrammable moments – by tapping into the snap and share culture, it offers a fun, readily shareable experience that speaks to the new generation of audience and keeps them coming back for more. 

Get lost in reflections 

First created in 1965, the mesmerising Infinity Mirrored Rooms by Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama had been sought-after by art lovers around the world even before Instagram was invented. But now, it’s also Instagrammers who are checking this off their to-see list.

Kusama has produced over 20 distinct rooms, each lit only by small LED lights, which are reflected endlessly in the mirrors to create an illusion of infinite space. It’s an enthralling sight that would guarantee hundreds of likes on Instagram; but it’s also a very personal experience – as you’re immersed in this surreal world, searching for the perfect angle for your shot, you’re reinterpreting the artwork in your own way. It turns art appreciation into an active, shareable process, one that provokes imagination and lingers beyond the exhibition.

With their flexible, creative format, pop-up experiences can engage the audience at a whole new level. Have a pop-up idea? See how ArtisTree can help you bring it to life.