Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience Opens July 2nd
Jun 29, 2026
Smithsonian Starstruck Opens in San Antonio This Week
Opening This Week on Thursday, July 2, Step Into the Universe: Smithsonian Starstruck
WHAT:
The universe is within reach. Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience, will open this coming Thursday, July 2, 2026, at The Shop
s at Rivercenter in San Antonio, TX, bringing a new celestial adventure to one of downtown’s most vibrant destinations. This free-roam, interactive journey invites visitors to witness the birth and death of stars, explore distant galaxies, and come face-to-face with a black hole, all without leaving Earth.
Tickets:
Tickets are now available via Fever’s app or website at www.feverup.com/m/665850 .
Developed in collaboration with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO), the pioneering research center founded in 1890, Starstruck draws on decades of astronomical research to translate scientific data into a fully immersive, interactive and walkable universe. Built from astronomical data, Starstruck is far more than an exhibition; it is a cosmic journey that dissolves the boundary between observer and observed, allowing guests to activate their senses as they touch, hear and navigate the wonders of the universe like never before.
During the experience, guests travel alongside some of humanity’s most powerful observatories, including the Hubble Space Telescope, the James Webb Space Telescope, and the Chandra X‑ray Observatory, journeying far beyond Earth and deep into the cosmos. Along the way, they encounter extreme exoplanets, witness the life cycle of stars and explore the immense scale of galaxies and black holes, gaining a deeper understanding of humanity’s place in the universe.
WHEN:
Opening Thursday, July 2, 2026
Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience will be open to the public Thursdays – Sundays starting at 10 a.m. daily. The last showing starts at 6:40 p.m.
WHERE:
849 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205
Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience is located on the lower level of The Shops at Rivercenter, beneath the HM on the Alamo Plaza side of the mall.
MORE:
The duration of the exhibit lasts approximately 1 hour, including the 40-minute VR experience. Children aged 10+ are welcome to attend the exhibit. Groups of up to six may enter at a time. Groups of more than six will stagger entry every three minutes.
About Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience
Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience is a 3D interactive, virtual reality experience that begins at Earth’s observatories and launches visitors into the universe—aboard the world’s most powerful space telescopes. Developed in close collaboration with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO), Starstruck translates real astronomical data from SAO, NASA, and ESA into a breathtaking journey through space.
Blending cutting-edge immersive technology with authentic science and powerful storytelling, Starstruck brings the birth and death of stars, and the vast depths of the cosmos, to life in an entirely new way for audiences craving smart entertainment.
Starstruck brings Smithsonian science and storytelling into an immersive, transportive format, extending the Institution’s longstanding mission of sharing knowledge far beyond its physical museums. It reinforces Smithsonian’s commitment to being a welcoming source of knowledge and discovery for all, inviting audiences not just to learn, but to explore and imagine.
Starstruck is part of Fever’s growing portfolio of original immersive experiences, designed to make extraordinary scientific discoveries both accessible and tangible for everyone. Through a blend of education, storytelling, and cutting-edge immersive technology, Fever is redefining how people learn, connect, and explore — from iconic places on Earth to the furthest reaches of the cosmos.
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