In an unusual turn of events, the rediscovery of 44 shipping crates that had long been lost to time has unveiled a treasure trove of artistic creativity. Inside these crates, which had been tucked away for decades in Austin, Texas, were the remnants of Luna Luna, the world’s first art funfair, conceived by the visionary Austrian artist André Heller in the 1970s. This fantastical attraction, which operated for just a short three-month stint in 1987, captivated children and adults alike with rides designed by some of the art world’s greatest figures, including Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and David Hockney.
Luna Luna offered a magical experience to its visitors, allowing them to immerse themselves in a surreal landscape of creativity. Among its attractions were Haring’s vibrant carousel and Basquiat’s striking Ferris wheel, along with a whimsical pavilion designed by Hockney. Attendees could marvel at Salvador Dali’s fun dome and traverse Roy Lichtenstein’s hall of mirrors, engaging not just with art but with live performers dressed as nuns and flamboyant flamingos. Initially met with success, plans to take Luna Luna on a European tour ultimately fell through, leading to legal disputes that resulted in the fair being disassembled and packed away, lost to the memories of those who once enjoyed it.
Years later, American entrepreneur Michael Goldberg stumbled upon references to Luna Luna in an art blog, a treasure he had never heard of despite its illustrious contributors. Eager to revive the fair, Goldberg reached out to Heller, who revealed that all of Luna Luna’s rides had been stored in Austin since the attraction’s closure. After a series of negotiations and financial hurdles, Goldberg managed to rally a group of investors, eventually including global rap sensation Drake and his entertainment company DreamCrew, to purchase the forgotten fair.
Once the crates were opened, initial fear settled in for Goldberg; the contents appeared to be in disarray. Yet, as further excavations revealed the striking colors and preserved elements from the original attractions, a wave of relief washed over him and his crew. The restoration required an immense collaborative effort from artists, curators, and carnival technicians who worked for two years to reconstruct Luna Luna meticulously.
Now officially titled “Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy,” the revived fair occupies a prominent space at The Shed, a modern art and performance venue in Midtown Manhattan. This reimagined fair retains much of its original artistic integrity, offering a vibrant experience while intertwining the historical context of its inception. Visitors can wander through installations that provoke nostalgia, enveloped by sounds curated from contemporary musicians like André 3000 and Jamie xx.
Despite the vibrant displays, an essential difference from its original iteration is notable: children are not allowed on the rides anymore. While this decision has sparked some commentary regarding the interactive nature of the art originally created for children, organizers maintain that the rides are now priceless works of art, better appreciated solely as displays of color, design, and childlike wonder.
The exhibition, running from November 20 to February 23, aims to marry the unexpected visual delights of the past with the experiences of a contemporary audience. As patrons explore Heller’s Wedding Chapel and other attractions, they find themselves in a carnival-like atmosphere, surrounded by intricate performance art and ambient music, where the legacy of Luna Luna can once again enchant a new generation.
This revival is not just a recounting of amusement; it celebrates the dynamic intersection of art and play, transforming Luna Luna into a contemporary art narrative steeped in history, collaboration, and a longing for the fantastical. Here, Heller’s vision lives on, providing a rich canvas of inspirations for both art enthusiasts and the artistic community—an artistic carnival that transcends time.
