About the experience
What can I expect from the event?
Starstruck is a 40-minute, shared virtual reality experience in which groups of up to six guests explore the cosmos together. Each participant wears a lightweight, wireless VR headset that presents a fully three-dimensional digital universe. As guests move freely within a physical room, the visuals respond, creating the sensation of walking among the stars.
Guided by a virtual host named Astro, the journey begins at the Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory and travels to stars, exoplanets, the Pillars of Creation, and a black hole. Guests can see and interact with one another as digital avatars, reinforcing the shared, social nature of the experience. Built-in motion tracking and visual boundaries within the headset help ensure guests safety.
Starstruck was developed by the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory and Fever, with Smithsonian Enterprises overseeing the collaboration. Content experts from the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) provided scientific oversight throughout the development. Visuals and narratives are informed by data from NASA, the European Space Agency, the Hubble Space Telescope, the James Webb Space Telescope, the Chandra X-ray Observatory and SAO research.
Where is the experience located?
The experience is located at 3863 N Steele Street, Denver, Colorado 80205, Suite 1168.
Does the experience take place in an indoor or outdoor venue?
This experience is held indoors in an air-conditioned room.
How long does the experience last?
The core experience lasts approximately 40 minutes. Guests should plan for additional time for check‑in, orientation, and headset fitting.
How many people can take part in the experience in the same group?
A group is made up of 6 visitors, additional groups can depart approximately every three minutes.
Will food and beverage be available on site for purchase?
Food and beverage will not be available for purchase inside the venue. However, York Street Yards has a number of vendor options.
Will there be merchandise for sale?
Yes. There will be merchandise for sale at the shop.
Is there parking available?
Complimentary self-parking is available at York Street Yards from operating hours 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. Accessible parking spaces are available. Parking is operated by York Street Yards, not Fever. Entrances are located on 39th Street and York Street. Valet parking is not available.
Is there Virtual Reality?
Yes, the experience uses wireless, free-roam VR headsets with real-time motion tracking. Guests’ physical movements, gestures, and positioning are mirrored in the virtual environment, enabling natural, intuitive exploration. The system supports shared experiences with up to six participants, and includes interactive elements that allow guests to engage directly with the environment and narrative.
Is there a dress code?
We recommend dressing comfortably and wearing suitable shoes. Please refrain from wearing hats or caps because you will wear a VR headset.
For everyone's safety, we kindly ask you to store your backpacks and handbags in the lockers provided on site.
Can I drop off my children?
All children (ages 10 - 17) must be accompanied by an adult at all times while in the museum.
What is the recommended age for children to attend?
Due to the fit of the headset and for the safety of all participants, children aged 10+ are welcome.
Are lockers or a coat check available?
Yes. There are lockers available in the experience to store your belongings, including light coats. These lockers are provided free of charge.
Is there a bag policy?
For everyone's safety, we kindly ask you to store all backpacks and handbags in the lockers provided on site. Personal backpacks (even small ones) are not permitted during the experience.
About tickets
Can I buy tickets on site?
We have a box office on site. We strongly recommend booking your tickets in advance to guarantee your spot. You can buy tickets in the Fever app or on the Fever website. Can I transfer my tickets to someone else?
Yes, you can transfer your tickets to anyone free of charge. Select “Transfer tickets” on your ticket in the Fever app. Please contact us if you need further help. Remember to include your order number. Do I need to print my ticket?
No, we can scan your ticket electronically on your phone. You can find your ticket in the Tickets section of the Fever app (downloadable from the Apple App Store or Google Play). Make sure you sign in with the same method you used at purchase. You will also find your QR code in your purchase confirmation email. I can't find my ticket. What should I do?
You can view your ticket in the Fever app, in the Tickets section. If you don't have the app installed, you can download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Remember to sign in with the account used at purchase. If you still cannot find your ticket, please contact us. Can I change the date of my ticket?
This experience allows date changes up to 48 hours in advance. If you would like to make this change, please contact us and include the ticket ID associated with your purchase. You can also check if this option is available by viewing your ticket in the Tickets section of the Fever app, where the “Change date and/or time” button will appear if the feature is enabled. Follow the steps shown to change the ticket date and/or time. For more information, see our Terms and Conditions. Can I get a gift card?
Yes, visit the gift card section of our website here, where you can buy an online gift card that can be used for the experience. Can I make a group booking?
Yes, for groups of 19 people or fewer, book your tickets directly on the ticketing page. For groups of 20 or more, please visit our dedicated group visits and private events page. For groups of more than 40 people, contact us here to receive a tailored proposal. Can I come back a second time for free?
No, tickets for the experience are valid for a single entry only.
Do you offer press passes?
If you would like a press pass, please email press@feverup.com.
All Smithsonian press inquiries should be directed to the Smithsonian Office of Public Affairs. Journalists can write to: smithsonianmedia@si.edu About access to the event
When should I arrive for my booked session?
We recommend arriving 15 minutes before the time shown on your ticket. If you miss check-in time, please speak to a staff member as soon as you arrive for assistance. We will welcome you as soon as possible.
What are the nearest stations? What is the best way to get there by public transport?
Several public transport options are available. The nearest metro stations are Yser and Ribaucourt (lines 2 and 6).
Can I bring animals? Are assistance dogs allowed?
Trained assistance animals that perform tasks related to their handler’s disability are welcome. Pets and other animals are not allowed.
For the best experience, we recommend that visitors with an assistance animal come with a sighted companion. A free companion ticket can be requested on site. The companion will need to join you in the VR experience and wear a headset.
You are welcome to bring your own companion; however, if that person is new to VR, we recommend asking a trained Fever staff member to guide you. Our team is experienced in assisting visitors and can help make the experience smoother and more enjoyable. We have found that people new to VR can find it difficult to fully enjoy the experience while also guiding someone else at the same time.
complete the experience and guide someone at the same time.
If you need a Fever team member to act as a sighted companion during the experience, please contact the Fever team at least 7 days before your visit so that the necessary arrangements can be made.
Is the venue accessible?
Yes, the event takes place in a venue accessible to people with reduced mobility, with accessible entrances and exits, restrooms, retail points, seating areas, and accessible routes throughout the space.
Is the experience accessible to people with reduced mobility?
Yes, the experience is fully accessible to people with reduced mobility. We have two standard manual wheelchairs on site, subject to availability. The venue has a step-free entrance and can accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility equipment.
Although the venue does not have private parking, nearby covered car parks offer accessible spaces. We recommend checking availability of accessible spaces in advance.
Can virtual reality be uncomfortable or unsuitable for some visitors?
Virtual reality is designed to be immersive and enjoyable, but some people may feel discomfort when using a VR headset. The experience may not be suitable for people with claustrophobia or vertigo.
People prone to motion sickness may experience symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, or drowsiness during or after the experience.
Can people with heart conditions or epilepsy take part?
We strongly recommend that people with heart conditions, epilepsy, or a history of seizures consult a doctor before taking part. Immersive virtual reality experiences may increase the risk of adverse effects for some people.
Is the experience safe during pregnancy?
Some people may be more prone to dizziness or fainting during pregnancy, and the experience takes place standing on a hard floor throughout. For these reasons, we generally do not recommend the experience for pregnant visitors.
The VR content itself is not known to present a danger during pregnancy. Pregnant visitors who choose to take part should consult their doctor beforehand.
Can I take part while carrying a baby or using a stroller?
No, because the VR headset blocks your view of the real environment, the experience is not compatible with baby carriers or strollers.
If you come as a group, our staff can adjust entry times so that a supervising adult can stay with the child at all times.
How do I avoid bumping into walls or other visitors during the experience?
The experience includes visual safety cues to help you find your way. Walls and columns appear as red meshes. If you see them, simply move away to keep a safe distance.
All participants appear as translucent star avatars. The names of your group members will be shown above their avatars, while other people will appear without names.
If you see a red bubble around a participant’s avatar, it means they have requested extra space. Please give them a comfortable distance.
What items are prohibited during the experience?
Any item that could disturb other visitors, such as cameras with flash or alcohol, is prohibited. For everyone’s safety, firearms, knives, pepper spray, or any other object that could be used to cause harm are not allowed in our spaces.
Firearms are prohibited, even with a concealed-carry permit, including for off-duty law enforcement.
Do you offer tickets for carers or companions?
Yes, people who need assistance throughout the experience can request a free ticket for a personal assistant, carer, or companion at the venue entrance.
We recommend a sighted guide for visitors with a visual impairment. You can bring your own companion or ask a trained Fever staff member. If your companion is new to VR, we recommend requesting our team. Please contact the Fever team at least 7 days in advance so we can arrange your visit.
Is the experience accessible to people who are deaf, blind, or have other disabilities?
Developed in collaboration with the Smithsonian Office of Visitor Accessibility, the experience includes several accessibility features, including:
● Captions
● Audio description
● Assistive listening devices (subject to on-site availability) ● Wheelchair viewing mode
● “Extra space” option (adds a visible red bubble around you so other participants keep a comfortable distance)
● Trained Fever staff available as sighted guides
● Free companion tickets
We recommend a sighted guide for anyone with a visual impairment. Visitors can bring a companion or ask our staff for help. If you would like Fever to provide a guide, please contact the team at least 7 days before your visit so we can arrange the details.
Can I wear prescription glasses?
Yes, our staff can show you how to position the headset correctly.
Note for glasses wearers: we recommend single-vision (unifocal) glasses, as other types such as progressive lenses may affect viewing quality.
I wear hearing aids. Can I still take part?
Yes, the VR headset has speakers directed toward the ears, so many hearing-aid users can hear the experience audio comfortably.
Visitors can also request a neck loop (T-coil) on site for a wireless connection to compatible hearing aids.
Will there be strobe lighting?
No, this experience does not include strobe lighting effects.
Are seats available? Can I remain seated during the experience?
The experience is designed by default as a standing, walk-through journey and does not include seating in the virtual environment. The route is optimized for wheeled mobility devices. Mobility aids (such as wheelchairs) are available free of charge, subject to availability. If you prefer a fully seated experience, we will be happy to accommodate your request on site.
Benches are available in the lobby before and after the experience. If you would like to take a break or stop at any time during the experience, simply raise your hand and a team member will come to help you.
Do you offer a guided tour or audio guide?
The experience includes a built-in virtual guide named Astro, an interactive avatar who accompanies you throughout the journey. Staff members are also available on site at all times.
For visitors who need extra support, audio descriptions are available. This feature provides spoken narration describing the environment and key visual moments of the experience.
Is the experience suitable for wheelchairs and other mobility aids?
Yes, during headset setup, visitors can choose “Wheelchair” or “Extra space” mode to adapt the experience to their needs. The “Wheelchair” option optimizes viewing from a seated position, while “Extra space” provides a larger bubble around the avatar to accommodate canes, walkers, crutches, and similar devices.
Are there restrooms on site?
Yes, restrooms are available inside the building. Please ask our staff if you cannot find them.
Can I take photos or record the experience?
You are welcome to take photos and videos for personal use only and to tag us via @starstruckexperience / @fever_global. Please note that flash and tripods are strictly prohibited. Press or professional photos must be authorized in advance by a staff member.
Is there a lost-and-found service?
If you have lost an item, please speak to on-site staff as soon as possible or contact us. 
