Charlotte pulls visitors in with immersive space experiences that bring astronaut life and space exploration right to the Queen City. The city’s top attraction uses NASA-inspired tech to transport guests aboard the International Space Station through virtual reality.
Space Explorers: THE INFINITE has become Charlotte’s flagship space attraction at Blume Studios on Post Street. This virtual reality experience uses 360-degree footage shot by astronauts on the International Space Station.
Visitors pick between a 45-minute standard experience or a one-hour premium option. The attraction breaks down into three chapters, showing daily life aboard the ISS and those jaw-dropping Earth views.
Pricing and Schedule:
The facility opens Tuesday through Sunday, but hours change by day. On Saturdays, it’s open from 10 AM to 9 PM.
Astronaut testimonies pop up alongside the 360-degree videos. Guests get VR headsets and roam through different stations inside the replica space station.
Charlotte’s got more than just VR for space fans. Local parks and nearby observatories give stargazers a chance to look through telescopes under dark skies.
Astronomy clubs and space-themed educational programs run all year. These groups put on viewing parties for celestial events like meteor showers and planet lineups.
Museums around Charlotte feature space exhibits and planetarium shows. These spots offer traditional displays that complement the high-tech VR experience.
Schools and educational centers in Charlotte run astronomy courses and camps for students hungry for space science. A lot of these programs include telescope time and constellation spotting.
Blume Studios anchors Charlotte’s space scene at 904 Post Street in the Iron District. The space launched with Space Explorers: THE INFINITE as its first big exhibit.
The facility has accessibility features for visitors with special needs. Groups and schools can book special visits through dedicated services.
Stage 1 at Blume Studios holds the full International Space Station replica. There’s parking, and it sits in Charlotte’s up-and-coming entertainment district.
Corporate groups can book private experiences, too. The venue works for team building and educational trips for organizations into space themes.
Charlotte’s location makes it easy for folks from all over North Carolina to visit. The attraction draws space enthusiasts from across the Southeast looking for a legit astronaut experience.
Charlotte brings in cutting-edge virtual reality tech that drops visitors inside the International Space Station. They use 360-degree footage captured by real astronauts.
The experience mixes interactive navigation with authentic space content to create astronaut training simulations that feel surprisingly real.
Space Explorers: THE INFINITE gives visitors a look inside the International Space Station with state-of-the-art VR. They hand out Oculus Quest 2 headsets, each with 1832 x 1920 pixel resolution per eye for sharp visuals.
Participants explore a digital replica of the ISS during a 45-minute journey. Standard tickets include 35 minutes in VR, while premium tickets add an extra 10 minutes to wander.
The immersive experience lets you move around different ISS modules. People check out scientific gear, sleeping quarters, and observation areas just like astronauts do.
Real astronaut stories guide visitors through daily life on the station. These accounts explain how the crew works, eats, and sleeps in zero gravity.
The experience welcomes anyone aged 8 and up. For kids 8–12, there’s a choice between VR headsets or tablet-based augmented reality, depending on what parents prefer.
The virtual reality content uses footage shot right on the International Space Station. NASA astronauts used 360-degree cameras to record spacewalks and inside activities.
This marks the first spacewalk ever captured in VR. Visitors see Earth from orbit and catch sunrises from space, just like astronauts during spacewalks.
The footage quality really sets it apart from typical space documentaries. You get to see Earth’s curve, solar panels, and docking procedures from the astronaut’s point of view.
Advanced filming techniques let you watch objects float and astronauts move through tight spaces. You even see how Earth looks through the station windows.
The library includes footage from multiple ISS expeditions and different seasons. Visitors catch different continents, weather, and lighting depending on the station’s position.
Participants navigate the ISS using wireless VR headsets that track their head and body movements in real-time. The system creates digital avatars so everyone appears inside the shared virtual space.
Free-roaming tech lets people walk, turn, and reach for objects as they would normally, while the system translates these actions into the VR environment.
Multiple visitors can share the virtual ISS at the same time. The interactive avatars let families and groups explore together, and everyone keeps a safe distance in the real world.
Safety features keep participants from bumping into each other with virtual boundaries. The system creates protective zones around each person that others can’t enter.
Staff monitor the experience using companion systems that show where each person is in real-time. This keeps things safe while letting everyone explore space on their own terms.
Real astronauts show what’s possible in space through their daily routines, personal stories, and groundbreaking missions. NASA crews on the International Space Station adapt to weightlessness, keep complex systems running, and run science experiments that push space exploration forward.
Astronauts on the ISS stick to schedules that start at 6:00 AM GMT. The crew spends their days doing experiments, fixing equipment, and exercising for two and a half hours to fight muscle loss in zero gravity.
Meal prep means rehydrating freeze-dried food or heating up thermostabilized packs. Astronauts inject water into food pouches, knead them, and eat. Fresh fruit doesn’t last long—gotta eat it in the first few days.
The station orbits Earth at 17,500 miles per hour and circles the planet every 90 minutes. Crew members see 16 sunrises and sunsets in a single day.
Sleep isn’t exactly like home. Astronauts use special sleeping bags attached to the walls since there’s no up or down. They have to strap in so they don’t float around while asleep.
Joan Higginbotham, who flew on Space Shuttle Discovery in 2006, says launch feels like riding a rickety wooden roller coaster at first. Seven million pounds of thrust shake the cabin until the boosters drop away.
During launch, astronauts feel 3.5 times Earth’s gravity. Higginbotham compares it to having an elephant sit on your chest—breathing gets tough, and you have to focus for about 45 seconds.
Weightlessness feels exhilarating, according to astronauts. Moving around takes practice: push off too hard and you’ll slam into a wall; too gentle and you won’t get anywhere.
Higginbotham’s crew brought together people from several countries, working in tight quarters. She points out that if ten people from different backgrounds can cooperate in space, maybe we could do the same on Earth.
NASA’s Space Shuttle program ran 135 missions from 1981 to 2011. The Discovery mission STS-116 in December 2006 focused on building the International Space Station and lasted almost 13 days.
The crew performed four spacewalks on that mission. They installed the P5 truss, delivered over two tons of equipment, and brought a new crew member to the station. Higginbotham operated the Space Station’s robotic arm.
Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo astronauts trained at Morehead Planetarium in North Carolina from 1959 to 1975. Nearly every early astronaut learned celestial navigation there before their missions.
Today, NASA’s commercial crew missions send astronauts to the ISS using SpaceX Dragon and Boeing Starliner spacecraft. These partnerships show how private companies now play a big role in human spaceflight along with NASA.
Blume Studios has turned Charlotte’s old Charlotte Pipe and Foundry warehouse into an immersive entertainment spot. The place features two main stages with advanced tech and interactive installations that pull visitors into space exploration.
Stage 1 acts as Blume Studios’ main stage for big immersive experiences. The warehouse houses “Space Explorers: The Infinite,” which uses 360-degree video shot on the International Space Station in partnership with NASA and international astronauts.
Visitors find interactive installations scattered throughout the building. Gaia, a suspended model of Earth by UK artist Luke Jerram, greets guests with an original soundscape by local composer Jason Hausman.
The “Groundswell” installation by Australian artist Matthias Schack-Arnott lights up and shifts in response to visitor movement. Thousands of glowing balls react as people walk by.
The creative hub goes beyond exhibits. There’s an on-site cafe for snacks, and the Blume Studios MKT gift shop sells work from Charlotte artists. Free public installations let the community enjoy the space without tickets.
Stage 2 handles other entertainment formats, like interactive dining events such as “Faulty Towers: The Dining Experience.” This extra venue lets Blume Studios offer more than just VR.
Educational programs welcome local school groups for hands-on space exploration. Students get curriculum-aligned content that connects classroom learning with real astronaut footage and station operations.
The studio also hosts yoga and meditation sessions tied to the exhibitions. These wellness events bring the community together and add a spacey twist to mindfulness.
Blume Studios sits in Charlotte’s Iron District, making it accessible to neighborhoods like Wesley Heights, Freedom Drive, and Camp Greene. This location supports Blumenthal Arts’ push for community revitalization through the arts.
Local artists help transform the warehouse for each new show. Charlotte creatives add original installations and soundscapes, giving global exhibitions a personal, regional touch.
Blumenthal Arts has become Charlotte’s go-to spot for immersive space experiences. Through smart partnerships and creative programming, the organization turns complex space tech into public experiences and builds strong local connections.
Blumenthal Arts kicked off Blume Studios as a spot dedicated to immersive entertainment. They’ve poured $2.5 million into this new venture, betting big on tech and bold artistic ideas.
The main draw, SPACE EXPLORERS: THE INFINITE, lets you float 250 miles above Earth and hang out on the International Space Station. They shot the whole thing with wild 360-degree VR cameras and real NASA mission footage.
You’ll find Blume Studios inside a renovated warehouse at the old Charlotte Pipe and Foundry site in the Iron District. It’s the city’s first permanent spot for massive immersive shows.
They’re building off hits like Immersive Van Gogh, which drew over 300,000 visitors and kept getting extended because people just couldn’t get enough.
For every big attraction, Blumenthal Arts sets up themed environments. You’ll stumble on curated art and hands-on displays that tie into the main event.
Blumenthal Arts teamed up with Charlotte Pipe and Foundry Company to breathe new life into the 55.5-acre Iron District. This partnership is turning an old factory site into a cultural hotspot right by uptown Charlotte.
They’re also working closely with Felix & Paul Studios, the Emmy-winning Canadian crew behind the space VR content. These folks know how to turn real NASA missions into jaw-dropping virtual adventures.
Educational partnerships bring the space experience to local students. Blumenthal Arts set out to send Charlotte sixth graders to Space Explorers: The Infinite as part of community outreach efforts.
Local artists help shape the vibe for every visitor. These collaborations open up more jobs and turn industrial spaces into something truly artistic.
People come from all over the Carolinas and even further. Past shows pulled in 78% of attendees from outside Charlotte, giving the region a nice tourism boost.
Stage 1 features three massive art installations that totally transform the Charlotte warehouse. These pieces set the mood for your space-themed adventure and get you ready for your virtual journey to the International Space Station.
Luke Jerram brings us Gaia, a giant globe that shows Earth the way astronauts see it from space. This huge sphere is seven meters across, covered in detailed NASA images.
It spins slowly in the warehouse. You can walk all around it and check out every continent and ocean, thanks to the high-res satellite photos wrapped around the entire thing.
Gaia gives you the same view commercial space tourists rave about. It’s a reminder of how fragile and beautiful our planet really is. Sometimes, seeing Earth like this makes people want to book their own space trip.
They light up the sculpture from inside with LEDs, so you can pick out familiar places from this unexpected angle. Visitors often linger, tracing coastlines and mountain ranges they know.
Groundswell changes up the Stage 1 space with moving light shows and sculptural shapes. Schack-Arnott designed it to mimic the rush and energy of spaceflight.
Waves of color roll across the walls and floors. The projections constantly shift, making you feel like you’re rocketing through space.
Motion sensors track where you go. As you walk through, the lights and patterns react, drawing you into the experience before you even hit the main VR attraction.
Groundswell’s shapes represent the wild forces at play during a rocket launch or orbital insertion. It’s a creative way to help visitors picture what astronauts feel.
Meredith Connelly’s Dew Drops dives into how water acts in zero gravity. She’s hung up clusters of clear spheres that look like floating water droplets.
You’ll see these glowing spheres at different heights all over Stage 1. As you walk by, light inside them bends and splits, making the droplets seem to hover in midair.
The installation shows how microgravity changes everything on the International Space Station. Astronauts have to rethink how they use water when it doesn’t fall.
Each droplet contains gentle, pulsing LEDs to suggest liquid in motion. The result is a quiet, reflective space where you can imagine floating weightless on your own spaceflight.
Charlotte’s space attractions offer a range of ticket options, accessibility services, and some key tips to help visitors get the most out of their experience.
Standard tickets for these space attractions usually start at about $70 for adults. Kids under 12 pay around $50.
Premium Experience Packages run from $150 to $300 per person. These get you VIP access to VR simulations and behind-the-scenes tours.
Groups of 10 or more get discounts. Schools and educational groups can book ahead for special rates.
Season passes give you unlimited visits for a year. They also throw in parking perks and member-only events.
Military members and veterans save 15% with ID. Seniors over 65 get similar deals on general admission.
During summer, Florida residents snag extra discounts. Companies can book team events and private group packages too.
You’ll find free parking around most Charlotte space venues, with over 2,000 spots. If you want to park closer, premium parking costs $20.
Accessibility Services include free wheelchair loans and electric scooter rentals at $30 per day. You’ll want to reserve these in advance during busy times.
All venues meet ADA standards. There are accessible bathrooms and viewing areas for visitors with mobility needs.
Public transit links up with the main venues, and rideshare drop-off zones sit right by the entrances.
Security checks are about what you’d expect—standard bag checks, no outside food, big bags, or recording gear in restricted areas.
Plan for at least four hours to really see everything. Weekends and school holidays get crowded.
Try to arrive 30 minutes before opening. That’s your best shot at good parking and shorter lines. Most spots use timed entry.
Wear comfy shoes—you’ll do a lot of walking between exhibits. The indoor spaces are climate-controlled, and there are plenty of places to sit down.
You can take photos in most areas, just not during active simulations. If you bring pro camera gear, you’ll need a special permit.
Some VR and simulator rides have age restrictions. Kids under 8 need an adult with them for all interactive stuff.
Book tickets online ahead of time. It often saves you money and guarantees you’ll get in.
The Iron District has quietly become Charlotte’s go-to spot for space-themed entertainment. What used to be an industrial sprawl now hosts high-tech, immersive experiences that bring space exploration to everyday folks through VR.
The Iron District sits on the old Charlotte Pipe and Foundry Company property, which shaped Charlotte’s industrial scene for over 100 years. The foundry was a major employer until the company moved out, leaving behind big, empty warehouses near Bank of America Stadium.
Charlotte Pipe and Foundry started back in 1901, making cast iron and plastic pipes for plumbing all over the U.S. Their original site was right off I-77—a pretty prime spot that now links uptown to the South End.
When the factory left, those huge buildings just sat empty. Developers saw the potential for something new. The tall ceilings and open layouts were perfect for entertainment and immersive events.
Real estate teams jumped at the chance to turn the Iron District into something special. Being close to sports venues and downtown made it a natural fit for big, indoor experiences.
Blumenthal Arts took the leap and launched Charlotte’s boldest space-themed attraction through Blume Studios. They transformed the old foundry into a venue built for space exploration experiences.
Space Explorers: The Infinite stands out as the big-ticket event. Visitors get whisked 250 miles above Earth and onto the International Space Station, all through VR and real NASA footage.
The show runs from September to January, and people keep coming back for more. You can meet virtual astronauts and see Earth from orbit—no rocket required.
Blumenthal Arts plans to keep the momentum going with more immersive programs at Blume Studios. They’re betting on the sweet spot where tech and art collide.
The Iron District isn’t stopping at just one attraction. Future plans call for homes, shops, and more entertainment, turning the area into a permanent space-themed corridor right in the heart of Charlotte.
Virtual reality space adventures are changing how people connect with space tech and education. These experiences spark STEM curiosity and open doors for folks who never thought about space before.
Immersive space exhibits get kids and teens excited about science and engineering. The Space Explorers: THE INFINITE show in Charlotte draws in families with kids as young as eight, letting them dive into space tech through hands-on VR.
Schools and day camps use these spaces to teach STEM topics. Students get to see what daily life is like for astronauts and look at Earth from space—something textbooks can’t really deliver.
The tech on display is pretty impressive. Visitors wear Oculus Quest 2 headsets with crisp, high-res screens to watch 360-degree footage right from the ISS. It’s the kind of experience that nudges people toward careers in computer graphics, aerospace, or VR.
Charlotte’s setup shows how a city can brand itself as an innovation hub. They sold over 44,000 tickets in a 30,000-square-foot warehouse, proving there’s real demand for tech-driven education.
Community engagement goes beyond solo visits—groups come in for shared experiences. The Charlotte venue gives discounts to educational groups and can handle 10+ people at once.
Accessibility features make sure everyone can join in:
The experience leaves a mark by making space exploration feel personal. Real astronaut stories and immersive visuals help visitors connect with the human side of spaceflight. That emotional spark tends to stick.
The facility boosts the local economy in more ways than ticket sales. They need specially trained staff, create tech jobs, and draw visitors to the Iron District. It’s a sign that communities can embrace the future with tech and education at the forefront.
Charlotte’s space community brings together artistic creativity and environmental responsibility in some surprising ways. Local artists craft space-inspired pieces using recycled materials, sparking conversations about the environmental impact of exploring beyond our planet.
Tuxedokat, a Charlotte-based artist, turns discarded junk into bold space sculptures. Their “Moon Man” series features astronauts built from old electronics, scrap metal, and plastic odds and ends.
Each Moon Man stands about six feet tall. Circuit boards become chest panels, and LED strips salvaged from computers light up the helmets.
Tuxedokat uses old car parts for the joints and movement. For every sculpture, they keep roughly 200 pounds of electronic waste out of landfills.
Most of the materials come from local computer shops and salvage yards. Since launching the series, Tuxedokat has finished a dozen Moon Man figures.
Museums and galleries around Charlotte display these sculptures. Prices range between $3,000 and $5,000.
Corporate sponsors sometimes buy them for their lobbies or public spaces. It’s a pretty cool way to combine art, recycling, and space.
Charlotte artists lean into space themes to call attention to Earth’s environmental struggles. Gallery shows pair satellite images of climate change with interactive installations.
Visitors get a sense of Earth’s vulnerability by seeing it from a space perspective. The Innovation Barn hosts monthly workshops where people make art from recyclables.
Participants build model rockets out of plastic bottles or recreate space stations using cardboard. These hands-on projects sneak in circular economy lessons while keeping things fun.
Local schools team up with artists to connect space exploration and environmental science. Students build tiny solar arrays and water recycling systems inspired by space station tech.
These programs reach more than 1,500 students across Charlotte every year. Artists also team up with NASA Goddard’s climate research crew to turn scientific data into visual art.
You’ll spot these pieces in public buildings and community centers all over the city.
Charlotte’s quickly turning into a hotspot for space-themed experiences and education. The city now boasts virtual reality attractions and immersive exhibits that make space exploration feel close to home.
Space Explorers: THE INFINITE has put Charlotte on the map for space enthusiasts. This immersive event uses advanced VR to put you right aboard the International Space Station.
You’ll see real NASA missions through 360-degree 3D cameras. The experience lets visitors feel what astronauts do during spacewalks and daily life in orbit.
Blumenthal Performing Arts hosts the exhibit. Huge screens show exclusive Artemis I mission footage.
Discovery Place Science Museum is running “Space: The New Frontier” through August 31. Chris Pine narrates the journey through modern space programs from NASA and private companies.
The exhibit highlights new developments from SpaceX, Blue Origin, and other commercial ventures. You’ll get a peek at current Mars and lunar missions.
These attractions stick around for a while, so families have plenty of chances to visit. Charlotte locals can dive into space exploration without leaving the city.
Charlotte’s space experiences open up astronaut training to everyone, not just the pros. The VR systems simulate zero gravity and spacecraft controls.
Educational programs link local schools with space science lessons. Students get to try out realistic simulations of space station missions.
The exhibits also prep future commercial spaceflight participants. Visitors learn about the physical and mental challenges of space travel.
Charlotte’s central spot makes these programs easy to reach for folks across the Carolinas. The city draws space tourism fans from nearby states.
A partnership with Felix & Paul Studios brings Emmy-winning immersive content to Charlotte. This means visitors get some of the best space simulations out there.
These programs help build excitement for commercial space tourism. They show how regular people can join the adventure using new tech.
People thinking about space-themed experiences in Charlotte usually have a few questions. Here’s a quick rundown of the most common ones about tickets, schedules, and family-friendly activities.
You can buy tickets for The Infinite Charlotte online or at the venue’s box office. It’s smart to book in advance—this immersive experience often sells out, especially during busy times.
They accept all major credit cards. If you’re coming with a group of 10 or more, you’ll get a discount.
There’s also special pricing for students, seniors, and military members with ID.
The Infinite Experience runs year-round, with tours every day except Monday. Tour times change with the seasons—expect longer hours in summer and around holidays.
The official calendar updates every month with the latest dates and times. Always check the website before planning your visit, since schedules can shift for private events or maintenance.
The Infinite Charlotte welcomes kids ages 8 and up. The realistic space simulations might feel intense for younger children.
Children under 12 need to stay with an adult. Parents should check out content descriptions to decide if the experience fits their child’s comfort level.
Blume Studios opens Tuesday through Sunday, and hours vary by day. They usually stay open later on weekends when more people visit.
Mondays are reserved for maintenance and private bookings. Holiday hours aren’t always the same as regular ones, so it’s a good idea to double-check before heading over.
Discovery Place Charlotte offers virtual reality experiences with space exploration content. Visitors can try out spacewalks, explore planets, and operate spacecraft in VR.
These sessions come with general admission. They run on a first-come, first-served basis and last about 10-15 minutes per person, since they’re pretty popular.
Space Infinity packs in a bunch of interactive space simulation experiences. You’ll find a Mars habitat replica and astronaut training modules, which are honestly pretty cool.
Want to feel what it’s like in low gravity? You can try out reduced gravity simulations and even practice spacecraft docking—definitely not something you do every day.
The place also runs workshops led by folks who actually worked in aerospace. They talk about everything from rocket propulsion to the life support systems real astronauts use.
