📍 Stage 1 at Blume Studios
Select a date above to book your launch time!
Featuring stunning footage captured using 360-degree cameras installed by astronauts on the International Space Station, Space Explorers: THE INFINITE puts you on the ISS to witness breathtaking views of Earth and gain a new perspective into the daily life of the crew on board.
Stop by the Stargazer Lounge for our out-of-this-world space themed cocktails, mocktails, coffee, small bites, and more! It’s the perfect spot to spend time with your fellow astronauts before and/or after your journey to space.
Filled with awe-inspiring, large-scale art installations, interactive exhibits, soundscapes, and a market featuring NASA gear and work from local artists for purchase, Stage 1 at Blume Studios is an artistic playground that is free to access and ready for you to explore. Learn more.
Space Explorers: THE INFINITE offers a unique opportunity to ignite students’ curiosity and inspire the exploration of STEAM related fields.Read the study guide.
Our experience has been designed to be as accessible as possible offering numerous alternative ways to be experienced to accommodate the needs of individuals requiring special consideration. Learn more.
More than 20 years after her space flight, NASA Astronaut and Charlottean Joan Higginbotham is serving as Honorary Ambassador for Space Explorers: THE INFINITE in Charlotte.
Higginbotham's incredible achievements, including being just the third Black woman in space, are inspiring over 11,000 Charlotte-area sixth grade students who are studying space as part of their ‘24-’25 academic curriculum and will visit THE INFINITE this fall.
Check out excerpts from our interview with Higginbotham in the video below, and be sure visit the display of her personal effects from her space travel career, including her flight suit, a shuttle mockup, and her childhood astronaut Barbie doll, all on view just outside the exhibit.
There are more than 11,000 sixth-grade CMS students studying earth science and space as part of their ‘24-’25 academic curriculum. Your contribution will help to bring them all to explore THE INFINITE this fall. Click here to give now.
Experiencing THE INFINITE
How long is the experience?
For Standard Ticket holders, please expect to spend about 45 minutes with us. We recommend arriving 15 minutes ahead of your ticketed time.
Or, get 10 more minutes in space with our Premium Ticket option! You’ll get more time to craft and cherish extraordinary moments with the crew — or simply marvel at Earth like never before.
In what language is the experience presented?
English
What model of VR headset is used during the experience?
During your visit you will be wearing an Oculus Quest 2 that has a resolution of 1832 x 1920 pixels per eye.
Can I take pictures or record the experience?
Yes. We invite our guests to take photos and videos for personal use only
Please note, the use of flashes and tripods are strictly prohibited.
Press photography (and any other photography for professional use) is also prohibited unless authorized and accompanied by a staff member.
Is it possible to sit during the experience?
The experience is designed for a 45-minute self-guided tour of the space. We offer accommodations for individuals with reduced mobility. See the accessibility section below.
What should I wear? Can I bring a bag?
We recommend you dress comfortably and wear comfortable shoes as you will be moving around the space freely. For your safety, we do not permit high-heeled shoe wear. Hats and caps are also not recommended due to the VR headset.
For the safety of others, backpacks (even small ones) are not permitted. Only small handbags or purses will be allowed.
Ticket Information
How much are tickets?
Ticket prices vary based on the day of the week and ticket type.
Tickets will be delivered attached as a PDF 7 days prior to your ticketed performance from tickets@carolinatix.org. If you have not received this email, please first check your spam/junk folder. Then, contact the Blumenthal Box Office at (704) 372-1000 to help troubleshoot your order.
What happens if I am late for my time slot?
If you miss your check-in time, you should speak to a staff member when you arrive for assistance. If possible, we will try to accommodate you by giving you access to the site upon your arrival, or else sadly, you will lose your ticket. Being on time is essential — as if you were getting ready to board a spaceship!.
Having trouble with the calendar?
Click here for a different view.
Click through your desired performance date above for a full list of available time slots.
If you were provided a promo code, please click on the blue "Have A Discount Code?" button below the calendar and enter your code there before selecting a date.
Swaps & Refunds
All ticket purchases for Space Explorers: THE INFINITE are final sale. No refunds will be made, and no order can be canceled. For more information, please view Blumenthal Arts ticketing terms and conditions at https://www.blumenthalarts.org/events-tickets/box-office-information/ticket-policy
Based on availability, you may be able to change your date. Pricing may vary, and you will be responsible for any additional charges. Please call the Blumenthal Box Office during operating hours at (704) 372-1000 for assistance.
ACCESSIBILITY
SENSORY
SAFETY
The virtual reality experience is safe and enjoyable but potentially uncomfortable for certain people. It is not recommended for people with claustrophobia, heart problems, a history of seizures, epilepsy, or sensitivity to flashing lights or 3D.
People prone to motion sickness are also more likely to experience discomfort using a virtual reality headset. Vertigo may persist and increase within a few hours of use. Symptoms may also include drowsiness. These symptoms may increase the risk of injury when undertaking normal activities in the real world.
For those who experience motion sickness or vertigo, we have a few options:
- You may enjoy the experience with the use of a tablet and augmented reality technology. The tablet version will allow visitors share the same experience alongside their friends and family and see what they're seeing.
- We've also created an edited, seated, documentary version that lasts approximately the same duration as the free-roaming part of the experience. While it's not interactive, it's a 360-degree immersive documentary that lets visitors experience life aboard the International Space Station.
Bringing Children
Children age 8 to 12 must do the experience accompanied. THE INFINITE is an experience suitable for families with children eight years and older. Under this age, children will not be admitted, even in a baby carrier, for safety reasons. We recommend that children ages 8-12 do the augmented reality experience with a tablet, as virtual reality headset manufacturers do not recommend their use in children under 12. If an accompanying parent or legal guardian wants their child to experience it in VR, they must sign a waiver on-site acknowledging the risks and authorizing the activity. Please note that the accompanying adult cannot supervise or assist the child during the VR portion.
Due to the nature of the exhibition, strollers are not permitted.
Bringing Service Dogs
Due to the nature of the multi-user tracking technology, we permit service dogs for the Space Walk portion of the experience only. These visitors would, unfortunately, be limited to the seated experience to reduce the possibility of collision with other users in virtual reality. They’re equally entitled to a free ticket to accommodate a companion.
GROUP SALES
You may purchase up to 9 tickets at a time online. If you have 10 or more people in your party, the Blumenthal Group Sales team can help find the right day and time for you. Contact our Group Sales team by phone at (704) 850-6491, or by e-mail at groupsales@blumenthalarts.org
If your group may arrive at different times, we suggest you order your tickets separately.
Education & School Groups
THE INFINITE is a great activity for schools and day camps interested in exploring STEM, art, and technology. We offer preferential pricing for school groups and will work with you to create a fun and enriching experience for your students.
Learn More | Study Guide |
PRODUCED BY INFINITY EXPERIENCES
A CREATIVE JOINT VENTURE BETWEEN FELIX & PAUL STUDIOS AND PHI STUDIO
IN ASSOCIATION WITH TIME STUDIOS
PRESENTED BY BLUMENTHAL ARTS
Blume Studios is located at 904 Post Street, Charlotte, NC, 28208, with free parking available on-site for our guests.