Melburnians will soon be able to journey to the farthest reaches of the cosmos without leaving the CBD, thanks to a new immersive 3D virtual reality experience that transforms some of the universe’s greatest mysteries into a spectacular sensory adventure.
Arriving at 206 Bourke Street on 2 July 2026, Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience combines cutting-edge technology, scientific discovery and cinematic storytelling to place visitors inside some of the most extraordinary environments ever observed by humanity.
Drawing on data captured by the world’s most powerful observatories, including the Hubble Space Telescope, the James Webb Space Telescope and the Chandra X-ray Observatory, the experience reimagines iconic images of deep space as fully immersive three-dimensional worlds. Rather than simply viewing photographs of the cosmos, visitors will step inside them.
The experience begins atop Mount Hopkins in Arizona, home to the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory’s Whipple Observatory, before launching guests on an interstellar journey guided by a character known as Astro.
Along the way, visitors will come face-to-face with some of the universe’s most awe-inspiring phenomena. One highlight takes guests to the edge of Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole at the centre of the Milky Way, where they witness a star being torn apart in a dramatic burst of cosmic debris.
Elsewhere, visitors can experience the immense power of the Sun, observing solar flares many times larger than Earth while hearing vibrations recorded from data collected by NASA’s Parker Solar Probe.
The journey also ventures beyond our solar system to Janssen, often referred to as the Diamond Planet, where volcanic landscapes and glittering crystalline formations create an otherworldly environment. Guests will also witness the dramatic death of Betelgeuse, one of the night sky’s most recognisable stars, as it erupts in a spectacular supernova.
Designed for science enthusiasts, curious minds and anyone looking for a unique winter experience, Starstruck offers a rare opportunity to explore the scale, beauty and wonder of the universe in a way that feels both educational and unforgettable.
Tickets for Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience at 206 Bourke Street, Melbourne are now available. Places are expected to be in high demand across the winter season, so early booking is recommended.
