Forgotten Fantasy
Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy in Los Angeles revives the world’s first art amusement park. Blending historical art and amusement with restored works by Basquiat, Haring and others in a unique, immersive exhibition.
By Jessica Varone
In December 2023, Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy opened in Los Angeles, reviving the world's first art amusement park. Conceived by Austrian artist André Heller, Luna Luna originally debuted in 1987 in Hamburg, Germany, featuring works from artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, and Salvador Dalí, covering styles from Abstract Expressionism to Surrealism.
After its inaugural display, Luna Luna vanished for over 30 years due to legal issues. Rediscovered recently, its iconic installations, such as Basquiat's Ferris wheel and Haring's carousel, have been restored under Drake’s DreamCrew company. Spanning 60,000 square feet, the Los Angeles exhibition showcases these pieces, archival content, and insights into their restoration.
"Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy" combines historical art with amusement attractions, like Hockney's Enchanted Tree and Dalí's Dalídom, along with André Heller’s Wedding Chapel. Curated by Lumi Tan's team, the show offers an exploration of this once-lost fantasy world.
The exhibit not only presents revitalized artworks but also the journey of their rebirth, including insights into their restoration and original fair memorabilia. The Luna Luna Shop features exclusive merchandise, including items by Haring, Hockney, and Kenny Scharf, available onsite and online. The experience is enriched by a reissued Luna Luna book from Phaidon, detailing the 1987 fair.
LOCATION: 1601 E 6TH ST LOS ANGELES, CA 90023
ADMISSION: $20 TO $85
HOURS: WEEKLY WEDNESDAYS TO SUNDAY
For details, visit lunaluna.com or email info@lunaluna.com.«
Photos by Sabina Sarnitz. Courtesy Luna Luna, LLC.