New immersive experience coming to Navy Pier takes visitors through a safari, space

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A multi-sensory experience opening at Navy Pier Friday uses new technology to transport visitors to new places.

If you've ever wondered what it's like to walk on the moon or safari through Africa, now you can try it out right here in Chicago.

"It's kind of VR without the glasses," said Alan Greenberg, the co-founder and CEO of Illuminarium .

"The concept is to create immersive experiences that make you feel like you're actually there, through a combination of technology, content, scale, we take your breath away."

He says Chicago's two experiences – WILD: A Safari Experience and SPACE: A Journey to the Moon and Beyond – use real imagery and footage to create realistic experiences for visitors. The experience last around an hour.

"In our safari experience, we sent film crews to Africa four times, we spent $15 million on the production. We went to places that even perfect safaris often don't go. Same with space, when you see space and you see Jupiter, you'll see all the moons of Jupiter, you're gonna be in the middle of a nebula where all stars are born."

Chicago is the fifth city to experience Illuminarium. It opens at Navy Pier at the former Crystal Gardens space.

Tickets start at $35 for adults and $25 for children. Once open the space will also host birthdays, weddings and corporate functions.

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