CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QC Life) - When the team at Blumenthal Arts saw how successful the Immersive van Gogh exhibit at Camp North End in Charlotte was during the pandemic, they knew more immersive art was in their future. After several years of planning, we now know something called “Space Explorers: The Infinite” is coming in September.
“The whole experience is as if you’re walking inside the International Space Station…you can actually step outside and take in the heavens,” said President and CEO of Blumenthal Arts, Tom Gabbard.
If you thought van Gogh was immersive, this doubles down with 360-degree views, HD quality video, and a 35-minute experience made in cooperation with NASA
“It is this wonderful intersection between technology and the arts,” said Gabbard.
We are thrilled to launch Space Explorers: THE INFINITE!
— Blumenthal Arts (@BlumenthalArts) April 8, 2024
Inspired by real NASA missions and featuring 360-degree videos captured aboard the International Space Station, this immersive journey takes flight Sept. 20 at the Iron District, former home to Charlotte Pipe and Foundry! pic.twitter.com/ETSnj5NjRi
But a project that big requires a big space, and that is where this 40,000-square-foot warehouse comes in. It sits on land still owned by Charlotte Pipe and Foundry off Morehead Street, not far from Bank of America Stadium.
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“We are thrilled Blumenthal will be our first tenant, and we have some exciting plans for the future,” said Bradford Muller of Charlotte Pipe and Foundry Company.
For more than a century, the company made cast iron pipe and fittings steps from this warehouse. The business has moved to Stanly County. There have been all kinds of rumors about what would happen to the land.
Charlotte Pipe decided to keep all 55 acres and turn it into something they’re calling the Iron District, a nod to the company’s history.
“The vision for the iron district is to be family-centric - food - open spaces ...and really come to an area of town they haven’t visited before,” said Muller.
Neither organization plans to stop here though - there’s more for the Iron District.
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“Within weeks if not months, we’re ready to make news on that… The sky’s the limit - anything and everything is possible. We’re reviewing possibilities right now,” said Muller. And more from Blumenthal Arts is on the horizon.
“This is just the beginning,” said Gabbard. “We have been actively working behind the scenes internationally to work on a pipeline of product to come here.”
Learn more at BlumenthalArts.org.
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