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Explore the infinity of the cosmos and the infinite beauty of the universe

Infinity des Lumières
21 February 2022

Explore the infinity of the cosmos and the infinite beauty of the universe Since time immemorial humans have been fascinated by the universe, trying to discover its origins and determine its nature, questioning man’s role, place and possibilities within it. Incredible scientific and technological advances have allowed humans to explore the vastness of the universe, continuously improving our understanding and knowledge of the cosmos.

As the region’s largest immersive digital art centre, Infinity des Lumières honors these achievements, mirroring the fascination, with two mesmerizing exhibitions dedicated to the profound beauty of the universe and the infinity of the cosmos - DESTINATION COSMOS & VERSE.

“Feast to the eyes and a nourishing experience to the soul, Infinity des Lumieres is a true testament that truly “a picture can paint a thousand words.” Derick

An homage to UAE’s space services and exploration Paying homage to the UAE’s impressive roadmap to the stars and aiming to enrich human knowledge about the universe, thus contributing to one of the key pillars of the UAE’s National Space Strategy for 2030, Infinity des Lumières chose to showcase an exclusive exhibition, DESTINATION COSMOS: THE ULTIMATE CHALLENGE. It is an original digital exhibition dedicated to exploring the universe, created by Culturespaces and CNES to commemorate the 60th anniversary of CNES. It is presented as an exclusive exhibition by Infinity des Lumières, in partnership with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre [MBRSC], and the French National Center for Space Studies [CNES].

“We are pleased to announce our partnership with Infinity des Lumières and CNES. We believe that the programme will enhance the community’s understanding and passion for space exploration and studies. Through this novel digital exhibition, residents and visitors alike will have a new way to discover and learn about space that is immersive and enjoyable.” H.E. Salem Humaid Almarri Director General, Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Center

The partnership between Infinity des Lumières, MBRSC and CNES seeks to enhance the importance of innovation and scientific exploration within the UAE community, by introducing digital art as a means for people to connect and learn about space.

“We are excited and honoured to have the support of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre and CNES. Infinity des Lumières continues its dedication to enrich minds and facilitate the exchange of ideas and knowledge through an experience that is accessible to all. ” Wael Soueid Executive Director, Infinity des Lumières

Impressive space achievements and roadmap to the stars The UAE is one of the leaders in space services and exploration, through MBRSC, founded in 2006, as the home to the UAE National Space Programme. Its considerable space achievements include sending the first Emirati astronaut, Hazzaa AlMansoori, into space in 2019, to the International Space Station on a scientific mission. The MBRSC Satellite programme launched the DubaiSat-1, DubaiSat-2, Nayif-1 and the KhalifaSat - one of the world’s most technologically advanced remorse sensing observation satellites, developed 100% in the UAE, by a team of highly qualified Emirati engineers.

MBRSC is responsible for the amazing success of the UAE-built Hope probe, which triumphantly went into orbit around Mars in February 2021, as the first Arab interplanetary mission to reach the Martian orbit. The Hope Probe is currently gathering key scientific data about the Red Planet’s atmosphere.

Last year the UAE doubled the size of its astronaut corps, with a selection of two new astronauts, including the first woman astronaut, Nora AlMatrooshi. MBRSC has announced the launch of the Emirates Lunar Mission - the first Emirati and Arab mission to explore the Moon with a lunar rover, and is also planning to develop MBZ-SAT - the most advanced commercial satellite in the region in the field of high-resolution satellite imagery. MBRSC has also launched the visionary Mars 2117 Programme, which aims to build the knowledge and scientific capabilities that will enable the UAE to build Mars Science City, as well as an Analog mission to prepare humans for future exploration of Mars and other planets.

60 years of innovation in developing the space ecosystem Created in 1961, CNES formulates and implements France's space policy, initiates major space projects, launchers and satellites, and prepares for the future by developing the space ecosystem. CNES has infinite scopes of application, mainly in five areas: the European launchers of today and tomorrow, the convergence between space and digital technology, innovation, defense and science. CNES is a major player in technological research, economic development and industrial policy, and it is involved in numerous international co-operations and scientific partnerships.

Immerse yourself in the infinity of the universe DESTINATION COSMOS: THE ULTIMATE CHALLENGE uses striking images and videos from CNES and NASA to highlight the profound beauty of the Earth and the mysteries of the cosmos, from a fascinating and impressive perspective, focusing on the space challenges of yesterday and tomorrow, as well as the incredible scientific and technical achievements of ingenious men and women.

The exhibition is composed of a prologue and 13 sequences, divided into three parts. It starts with complete darkness, turning into a magical star-filled sky, with lines tracing the constellations and the mythological figures whose names they bear. We then see a historic overview of humanity’s desire to understand and explore the universe, from the first observations of stars many centuries ago, to the space race between the USA and the USSR, and the Apollo 11 moon landing.

Such a mesmerizing experience! Best for kids, they will love it for sure! Husna

In part I the space adventure skyrockets from the Kourou space base, in the heart of the Guyanese rainforest, to the far reaches of the universe, showing first the blue planet from space and the complexity of the International Space Station - an impressive laboratory where space scientists, astronauts and cosmonauts cooperate on scientific advances.

“The experience was just amazing.” Shabina

In Part II the journey takes us across the solar system, with magnificent images of solar eruptions. The planets begin their dance around the sun, while we start roaming through the canyons, craters and mountains of Mars, alongside probes, robots and rovers, to discover the range of colours and wonders of the Red Planet. Next we embark on a journey to decipher the origins of life on earth, in an atmosphere tinged with mystery - the Rosetta space mission, an ESA cornerstone mission to chase, go into orbit around, and land on a comet - the Jupiter-family comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. After diving into the heart of Jupiter, flying over the rings of Saturn, and speeding over Uranus and Neptune, the adventure continues beyond the borders of the solar system.

“It was a magical experience!” Johanna

In Part III we discover the wonders of the universe, with the Gaia, Planck and Herschel probes, and its plethora of mesmerising stars, planets, nebulae, and supernovae. The exhibition concludes with a fascinating perspective on the infinity of the universe, as it shows the Milky Way in a cluster of galaxies, and then brings the focus back to the incredible space scientists and explorers who continue to push the boundaries of our knowledge and understanding.

“A must see, you will experience a small getaway right there in that ambiance” Diana

The entire immersive journey is set to an eclectic music soundtrack, which includes works by Wagner, Mozart and Dvorak, as well as the Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Moon Hee Joon, and David Chappell.

“Incredible digital experience. Obsessed!” Thuraya

Embark on a mesmerizing cosmic journey The cosmic journey continues in Infinity des Lumières’ tranquil and relaxing Contemporary room, with another mesmerizing original digital exhibition - Verse, which explores the role of man in this universe and highlights the beauty of the infinite space around us.

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to walk on a star, or what the big bang looked like, experience Verse to find out how young digital filmmaker and composer Thomas Vanz explores these intriguing questions.

Since 2014 Vanz has created numerous films, music and representations of cosmic events, exploring metaphysical questions, through focusing on the infinite beauty of nature and representing the infinitely large - from the surface of a star to the interior of black holes, and the enormous explosion of a supernova.

“Verse - a short visual film that's pure magic and relaxation!” Sabine

Discover the mysteries of the cosmos Vanz’s deep-rooted interest in astrophysics and the mystery of the cosmos led him to create Verse as a stunning exhibition, which evokes, through all scales and states of matter, the infinite that the human eye cannot see, deforming space and time, reconstituting supernovae, with colossal, awesome explosions of wondrous colours, reliefs, shapes and sounds.

Verse is a powerful, intense sensory journey, divided into three acts, expressing cycles and dichotomies. In Part 1, we experience creation, birth and emergence, followed by death, the end, and silence, in Part 2. Part 3 circles to the return, resuscitation, and resurrection.

Plunged into the impenetrable and mysterious universe, discover the harmonious movements of the stars as you listen to the sound of a sublime orchestral piece composed by Thomas Vanz and Jonathan Fitas - an inspired violinist, composer and sound designer.

“I love the combination of moving projections, selected music.” Katerina

Book your space adventure to an infinitely beautiful destination Both exhibitions are absolutely amazing, educational and mind-opening, as well as inspiring and entertaining - an exciting way to find out more about the universe, its infinity and beauty.

Infinity des Lumières is the perfect place to go when you want to engage your thinking and creativity, meditate and dream, and it’s also a great place to go with the entire family, to share an experience that is absolutely magical and unforgettable.

DESTINATION COSMOS runs exclusively from February 11 to April 2, weekdays from 6 PM to 10 PM, and weekends from 6PM to 11PM.

The DESTINATION COSMOS ticket includes the Verse exhibition as well, and there is a COMBO TICKET promotion, wherein you can view all four mesmerizing exhibitions - DESTINATION COSMOS & VERSE, and VAN GOGH & DREAMED JAPAN, for the special price of AED 225.

And don’t forget to visit the boutique on your way out - it’s an immersive experience in its own right, where you can find either the ideal memento to remember your visit or a fantastic gift for people who appreciate innovative design and cultural brands. And with every adult exhibition ticket purchase you can get up to 50% off on select boutique items with a special promotion!

“Most beautiful and creative museum of art. We enjoyed taking pictures, videos, relaxing and contemplating. No words can describe the beauty.” Hajar
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