The Albesila Luminarium – Architects of Air at The Piece Hall

Gemma Gibb, Associate Editor

Visit now

The Albesila Luminarium – Architects of Air

The Piece Hall, Halifax
25-28 August 2017

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Architects of Air
Book now

Be among the first in the UK to experience the newest monumental structure from Nottingham based Architects of Air who create unforgettable, large-scale walk in “luminaria” around the world.

Part of The Piece Hall’s Welcome opening festival, walk through an air lock into this peaceful inflatable, artistic experience and pneumatic structure which are renowned for being “a sanctuary for the senses”.  Become immersed in a kaleidoscope of changing colour and light.

The Luminarium are incredible technical feats of artistic design and engineering inspired by nature, geometry, Gothic cathedrals, Islamic architecture and architectural innovators such as Gaudi. It’s an unforgettable, cathedral-like multi-sensory experience which is different at all times of the day depending on the altering daylight.

The new Albesila structure promises all the signature magical traits of earlier Luminaria such as a maze of interconnected paths, 27 stunning domed areas of complete immersion in different colours and geometric patterns inspired by Islamic art leading to a magnificent Main Dome “where an intricate weave of illuminated seams creates a constellation of stars spiralling upward to the heavens”.

Architects of Air

The joy of visiting this incredible structure (apart from the gazllions of stunning photos you will take) is being able to take it at your own pace – go mad exploring every nook and cranny, find a favourite spot to sit back, relax and contemplate the universe,  play the most visually stunning game of hide and seek you will ever experience, or take a few moments to reflect and bathe in the stunning light.

We love that afterwards you can continue your architectural adventures from a different perspective in the Grade 1 listed Georgian colonnades of the newly restored Piece Hall.

 

Where to go near The Albesila Luminarium – Architects of Air at The Piece Hall

Square Chapel Arts Centre
Halifax
Square Chapel Arts Centre

With a mix of shows, family theatre, films, events and workshops, this arts centre is a vital part of Halifax’s new and thriving cultural quarter.

Meandering Bear
Halifax
Restaurant
Meandering Bear

Owned by the folks who run the award-winning Grayston Unity, the Meandering Bear is a great little independent bar and eatery in Halifax.

Revo Records, Halifax
Halifax
Shop
Revo Records

Trading for over 30 years, the iconic shop prides itself on stocking an eclectic selection of vinyl records – the latest new releases alongside second-hand vinyl.

Halifax Borough market
Halifax
Shop
Halifax Borough Market

This grand and historic market was opened by the Duke and Duchess of York in 1896 and has been at the heart of Halifax life ever since.

White Swan Hotel
Halifax
Hotel
White Swan Hotel

The White Swan Hotel offers an ideal location for those looking to explore West Yorkshire – its arts and culture, and its shopping.

West Yorkshire
Gallery
Open Gallery

A beautiful and varied collection of contemporary art from across the UK. Their regular exhibitions are both seasonal and thematic and always worth visiting…

Grayston Unity
Halifax
Café or Coffee Shop
Grayston Unity

The bar itself is small but you’ll find it a friendly place where you can get a lovely drink in a unique setting.

What's on: Exhibitions

Woman agaisnt space background
ExhibitionsManchester
(Re)collection at saan1

Across three floors of saan1, three independent curators pursue distinct interpretations of memory, nostalgia and landscape.

Free entry
Poster for Bodies in Water. A figure wearing a multicoloured, fringed costume and silver star-shaped headpiece stands knee-deep in a lake beneath dark clouds, with green hills in the distance. Bright green text reads: “Bodies in Water”, “8–25.8.26” and “PV: 7.8.26, 18–21”. Bottom left shows the PINK logo and address: Hilton House, Lord Street, Stockport, SK1 3NA.
Exhibitions
Bodies in Water at PINK

Folklore wraps around human anxiety in this new PINK exhibition, where the dragons and giants of Lake Bala become placeholders for fear itself.

Free entry

Culture Guides

A large white room with a colourful lit ceiling above a wooden coffin shaped oversized sculpture.
Exhibitions

From local painting to Chinese folklore on film, sound art to otherworldly installation – this month's guide covers the full spectrum.

Food and Drink in the North

It's summertime, and the dining choices are easy, thanks to our expert guide to food and drink in Manchester and the North.

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre

Discover the summer's most rewarding theatre in libraries, pubs, Fringe venues and unexpected spaces across the North.

“the ripple” artwork by Crowns & Owls courtesy of Good Machine.
Music

From post-industrial romance to experimental country, here's a hot new batch of weird gigs in small venues.

Emily Lloyd-Saini as Grace in Space and Harrie Hayes as Lieutenant Strong in Horrible Science
Family things to do in the North

Whether you’re after storybook theatre, museum wanderings or illusion-bending play spaces, there’s plenty to keep curiosity ticking through winter and beyond.

A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night
Cinema in the North

There's no shortage of great films out at the moment, whether you're looking for the latest blockbuster, that hot arthouse flick fresh from Cannes or a cosy classic.