Last Updated on July 31, 2023
Illuminarium, in partnership with Toronto-based Secret Location, will open its first Canadian location in The Distillery Historic District in Toronto on August 25, 2023. Illuminarium, a global experiential entertainment company created by worldwide leaders in cinematic and interactive content, architecture, and theatrical design will open in the former Fermenting Cellar, an expansive 13,500 square-foot complex at 28 Distillery Lane.
Illuminarium and Secret Location will debut with two immersive spectacles along with a 19+ After Dark experience on weekend evenings. Illuminarium at The Distillery District joins Atlanta and Las Vegas as the third Illuminarium location in North America.
Illuminarium is partnering with Toronto-based Secret Location, known for its Emmy® award-winning interactive VR and AR experiences, to combine cutting-edge technology with immersive storytelling to create incredibly digital projection mapped experiences. Both companies’ innovative work in immersive entertainment and collaboration with artists and the entertainment industry will highlight Canada’s incredible digital talent through experiences which Canadians will be the first in North America to experience.
“Illuminarium’s platform gives us the ability to uniquely combine techniques used in traditional motion picture production and virtual reality to make you feel like you are actually there,” Ryan Andal, President & Founder of Secret Location, said. “While Illuminarium at The Distillery District is an incredible canvas for us as creators, I think it’s even more exciting for our guests as it’s something they could never experience at home.”
State-of-the-art technology including the world’s most advanced RGB pure laser projection by Christie, LIDAR sensors that blanket the space with interactivity, scent machines, a unique digital sounds space and programming using the latest video game engines allow guests to feel like they are inside a game or film. By enabling audiences to see, hear, feel, smell and even personally affect the space around them, Illuminarium at The Distillery District places the guest “inside” the narrative.
In essence, Illuminarium at The Distillery District exemplifies a “Virtual Reality, without the glasses” experience.
“Toronto is booming with entertainment creation so it was a natural fit for us to open up our first Canadian experience here,” CEO of Illuminarium Experiences Alan Greenberg said. “We look forward to showcasing our unparalleled immersive offerings with exclusive content pieces as well as the entertainment programming we have in our U.S. locations. We are also excited about combining our own content together with the unique offerings created by Secret Location to continually offer guests a great new portal into immersive entertainment.”
The Toronto entertainment complex will open with two epic experiences and will be adding new shows to the programming schedule regularly. The first two shows are:
“SPACE: A JOURNEY TO THE MOON & BEYOND” takes visitors on an extraordinary journey across the galaxy. The exhibition will include interactive and visually-stunning imagery from the James Webb Telescope through the lens of Illuminarium’s high-tech animation systems and 360-degree fully immersive screens.
Fly through the latest stunning images of nebula, kick up dust on the moon, see Saturn’s rings up close, and weave through an asteroid belt. A giant leap into the unknown, SPACE will transport you to places you’ve only ever imagined.
“WAKING WONDERLAND,” created by Secret Location, is an interactive adventure that invites you on a dreamlike journey, inspired by Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland.”
Tumble down the rabbit hole and encounter surreal settings and colorful characters. Chase the Cheshire Cat through the magical forest, stir things up in the Mad Hatter’s tea factory, and tiptoe into the throne room to awaken the Queen of Hearts, as you brave our hero’s quest to breathe life back into a dormant Wonderland.
Also opening in September is the adults-only immersive nightlife and hospitality experience called “SPACE AFTER DARK.” At After Dark, guests 19+ can enjoy innovative cocktails served by futuristic robots, while surrounded by fantastical dreamscapes that are ever-changing.
Through proprietary, state-of-the-art projection and audio systems, the experience offers cinematic, real-time audio and visuals alongside DJs, musicians, and other live performances to create a unique party atmosphere.
Future Illuminarium spectacles coming to The Distillery District will include a WILD Safari Experience, Lite Brite Worlds of Wonder, The Greatest Moments in Rock & Roll, Virtual artist residencies featuring many of the top names from the global music industry, a Prehistoric World Dinosaur Experience and many more.
For more information and to sign up for the online ticket waitlist, visit www.illuminarium.com/toronto.
