Dataland

Now open on Grand Avenue inside Downtown’s Frank Gehry-designed Grand complex, Dataland is billed as the first “museum of AI arts,” masterminded by media artist Refik Anadol. While public skepticism surrounding artificial intelligence remains high, Anadol’s approach here feels inherently human and deeply creative rather than automated. The museum’s inaugural exhibition, “Machine Dreams: Rainforest,” utilizes the world’s first open-source Large Nature Model to transform 1.2 billion ethically sourced ecological data points into mesmerizing, dynamic environments.

The experience is genuinely “omni-sensory,” going far beyond standard visual projections. Upon entering, visitors don wearable technology, including custom-crafted scent devices and wristbands that track their heart rates and skin conductivity in real time. These biometrics allow the museum’s five galleries—including the breathtaking, 84-projector Data Pavilion and an intimate, all-LED Infinity Room—to respond to the audience's collective emotional temperature. The journey even incorporates taste for priority ticket holders through custom-made rainforest-inspired cacao truffles from chocolatier Valerie Gordon. The experience concludes at the gift shop, where your data can be used to create a custom T-shirt and a bespoke scent by L’Oréal Luxe.

While the high-tech process behind the art can feel a bit opaque and will probably require a slight learning curve, an accompanying app will help visitors parse their journey through the museum in real time. And there’s no denying that Dataland offers a dazzling, immersive experience that’s memorable in its own right. The sticking point for some may be the cost: Because Dataland operates as a ticketed commercial space rather than a free nonprofit, admission ranges from $49 to $129, depending on the day and ticket tier you choose.