by Ariel Barnes
The Rihanna Experience at the Museum of Science, Boston is a planetarium show unlike any other. For $10 visitors can listen to the greatest hits of Rihanna while being dazzled by a light show projected onto the planetarium’s screen. Developed as part of the SubSpace Project, The Rihanna Experience is part of a series that combines music from popular artists and the technology of the Charles Hayden Planetarium. When the Museum of Science created the SubSpace project in 2016, the first show featured the music of David Bowie. The planetarium shows were so popular that the Museum had multiple showings of The David Bowie Experience. Now, the Museum features two musical experiences each month, in addition to the Laser Floyd show – a staple in the planetarium from the 1970s.
Calling the planetarium show an experience is incredibly appropriate. The shows last approximately 40 minutes, but it feels like no time at all. The creators in the Museum of Science expertly pair the songs with amazing visuals. Images float across the screen in an almost dizzying manner, weaving and blending into scenes that astound. Using more than just lasers projected onto the planetarium screen the SubSpace Project shows utilize 3D animations and other software to amaze viewers. For The Rihanna Experience this includes but is not limited to images of diamonds floating through the sky while the song Diamonds plays. During another song a set of disembodied eyes float across images of a city skyline on the planetarium screen. Audible sighs of amazement and wonder fill the planetarium during the show.
The SubSpace Project is part of the exciting summer adult programming at the Museum of Science but the program was so popular they expanded the series and they now have shows outside of the summer months. Attendees of all SubSpace Project programs must be at least 18 years old. This year they continued the summer series with the addition of shows featuring the music of Rihanna, Justin Timberlake, and Coldplay. The series is aimed at bringing adults into the Museum of Science by using the technology available within the museum in fun and interesting ways. The shows will not teach you about the night sky but the combination of visuals and music create a concert experience that is not possible at any other venue.
Using the state of the art technology available in the Museum of Science the staff crafted shows for many artists including Prince, Beyoncé, Björk, and Tom Waits in 2016. The shows are designed to reflect the work of the artist. The Museum of Science created a multimedia experience for the Björk show that reflected the tone and atmosphere of her work, while The Prince Experience’s visuals were a celebration and accompaniment for the album Purple Rain. The Lady Gaga Experience at the Museum of Science was a massive event, that included more than just the planetarium. The Lady Gaga Experience titled “Monster’s Ball” was a one night only event in 2016 that invited adults to party at the Museum of Science.
In October, the Museum of Science invited lovers of retro scary movies to watch films in the planetarium on Saturdays with its Saturday Night Creature Features. Every Saturday in the month of October the museum featured a different retro scary movie, including The Attack of the 50 Foot Woman. Over the summer as part of the blockbuster exhibit POPnology the museum had showings of classic science fiction movies in the planetarium. Each of these events were part of the Museum of Science’s push for adult programming.
The planetarium at the Museum of Science is also the home of some other blockbuster shows, including the upcoming program Synesthesia Suite: Constellations. On November 30th the Museum of Science will have two performances by artist Mary Bichner and the Planetary Quartet. Like the SubSpace Project this program is designed for adults, with the museum saying that adults are the recommended audience on their website. The museum promises that the event will be a magical night that combines synesthesia, music, and stars. For this concert, the music is accompanied by live visuals projected onto the screen. The event is guaranteed to be unlike any other concert. Programming like the musical experiences, movie nights, and unique concerts allows the Museum of Science to offer adults living in the Boston area a truly one of kind experience, while still using the technology available at the museum. Fun and unique adult programming at the Museum of Science shows to visitors that the museum is not just for elementary school trips but an engaging destination for everyone.
Currently playing in the planetarium is The Rihanna Experience and The Justin Timberlake Experience.
You can learn more about the SubSpace Project here: