The WNDR Museum, a high-tech art experience that blends art and technology, has announced its immediate closure in Seattle. The museum, which opened in March 2023, did not give any reason for its decision. The news came as a shock to many visitors and fans of the museum, who had enjoyed its immersive and interactive exhibits.
What is the WNDR Museum?
The WNDR Museum is a Chicago-based museum that describes itself as “an ever-evolving immersive art and technology experience.” It features 12 exhibits that combine digital art, optical illusions, light effects, and sensory stimulation. Some of the exhibits include:
- Masterpiece, a room filled with colorful balloons that respond to touch and movement
- Immersive Theater, a projection mapping show that transforms the walls and floor into a dynamic canvas
- Light Floor, a LED floor that creates patterns and shapes based on the visitors’ steps
- Infinity Mirror Room, a mirrored room that creates the illusion of endless space and reflections
The museum also hosts special events and themed installations, such as Winter WNDRland: Iced In, which turned the museum into a frozen landscape from November 24 to January 15.
The museum aims to inspire creativity, curiosity, and wonder in its visitors, and to showcase the potential of art and technology. It also collaborates with local artists and organizations to support the creative community.
Why did the WNDR Museum close in Seattle?
The WNDR Museum did not provide any explanation for its abrupt closure in Seattle. The museum sent an email to its subscribers and ticket holders, saying:
“While we’ve enjoyed welcoming Seattle to experience the joy of WNDR Museum this year, we’ve made the difficult decision to close the doors of our Seattle location effective immediately.”
The email also offered refunds or exchanges for those who had purchased tickets in advance. The museum’s website and social media pages have removed any mention of its Seattle location, and the ticket page says “tickets are not available.”
The closure came as a surprise to many, as the museum had been promoting its events and exhibits on its platforms until recently. The museum had also been voted one of the top ten immersive art experiences in the country by USA Today.
The Seattle location was the museum’s third permanent location in the US, after Chicago and San Diego. The museum also plans to open a Boston location in early 2024.
How did the visitors and fans react to the closure?
The visitors and fans of the WNDR Museum expressed their disappointment and sadness over the closure. Many commented on the museum’s social media posts, asking for the reason and hoping for a comeback. Some also shared their memories and photos of their visits to the museum.
One visitor wrote: “I’m so sad to hear this. I had such a great time at the museum and was looking forward to going back. It was one of the most fun and unique experiences I’ve ever had. Thank you for bringing some joy and wonder to Seattle.”
Another visitor wrote: “This is heartbreaking. I loved the WNDR Museum and was planning to take my family there for the holidays. It was such a creative and amazing place. I hope you can reopen someday.”
Some visitors also expressed their frustration and anger over the lack of communication and transparency from the museum. They felt that the museum should have given more notice and explanation for its closure, and that it was unfair to the customers and the staff.
One visitor wrote: “This is unacceptable. How can you just close without any warning or reason? I bought tickets for next week and now I have to deal with getting a refund. You owe us an apology and an explanation.”
Another visitor wrote: “This is very unprofessional and disrespectful. You were still advertising and selling tickets until yesterday and now you just shut down? What about the people who work there? What about the local artists you collaborated with? You should be ashamed of yourselves.”
The WNDR Museum has not responded to any of the comments or questions from the visitors and fans. It is unclear if the museum will ever reopen in Seattle or elsewhere.
