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 6 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 naturally, 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 Level 1, 206 Bourke street, Melbourne VIC 3000 in Melbourne’s bustling Central Business District.
Does the experience take place in an indoor or outdoor venue?
This experience is held indoors in an air-conditioned venue.
How long does the experience last?
The immersive virtual reality experience lasts about 40 minutes. However, please allow about 1 hour total as you will need to drop off your personal belongings, sign a waiver, and pick up/return equipment.
How many people can take part in the experience in the same group?
A group can include up to 6 visitors, additional groups can depart approximately every three minutes.
Will food and beverage be available on-site for purchase?
Water and select soda products are available for purchase, subject to availability. We ask that these are consumed pre- or post-experience as no liquids are allowed inside the VR arena.
The venue is located in a shopping precinct in the heart of the Melbourne CBD, with several restaurants around it, and the closest convenience store only 70m from the front of the venue.
Will there be merchandise for sale?
Yes, a retail shop will be available on-site, along with an AI Photo Booth where guests can purchase photos of themselves transformed into space-inspired scenes, like holding a galaxy or posing with a supernova or black hole.
Is there parking available?
As the venue is in the heart of the city, there is no free parking available. However, there are 10+ paid parking stations within very close proximity to the venue.
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 6 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.
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+ with a height of 1.30m+ are welcome.
Are lockers or a coat check available?
Yes, there are lockers available on-site 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
We recommend getting your tickets ahead of time through:
Can I purchase tickets at the door?
Yes, there will be a box office on site. However, tickets may be sold out by the time you arrive at the event, so we highly recommend you book your tickets in advance in order to guarantee your spot. You can purchase tickets via the Fever App (available on Google Play and Apple App Store) or on the Fever website. What methods of payment are accepted on site?
Accepted methods of payment are credit and debit cards.
Can I transfer my tickets to another person?
Yes, you can transfer your tickets to anyone for free. It is as easy as clicking "Transfer Tickets" on your ticket in the Fever App. Please contact us if you need additional help. Make sure to include your ticket order number. Do I have 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 (you can download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play). Please remember to log in with the same login method used to make the purchase. You will also find your QR code in your purchase confirmation email.
I can't find my ticket. What can I do?
You can find your ticket in the Fever app, within the “Tickets” section. If you don't have it installed, you can download it from Google Play or the Apple App Store. Remember to log in using the same account that you used when buying the tickets. If you still cannot find your ticket, please contact us. Can I change the date of my ticket? Are refunds allowed?
This experience allows date changes up to 48 hours in advance. If you would like to make the change, please contact us and include the ticket ID associated with your purchase. You can also check if this option is available by consulting your ticket in the "Tickets" section of the Fever App where, if enabled, the "Change date and/or time" button will appear. Follow the steps indicated in the link to change the date and/or time of the ticket. For more information, you can consult our T&Cs. Can I get a gift voucher?
Yes, visit our website’s gift card section here, you can buy a gift card online which can be used for the experience. Can I make a group booking?
Yes, for groups of 21 or more people, contact us here to receive a personalized proposal. Can I come back a second time for free?
Tickets for the experience are valid for one entry only.
Do you offer press passes?
If you would like a press pass, please email press@feverup.com.
All press inquiries about the Smithsonian should be directed to the Smithsonian Office of Public Affairs. Reporters can email: smithsonianmedia@si.edu About access to the event
Do I need to arrive at the start of my scheduled session?
It is recommended that you arrive 15 minutes before the time stated on your ticket. If you miss your check-in time, you should speak to a staff member when you arrive for assistance. We will accommodate you as soon as possible.
What are the closest stations? What's the best public transportation?
The ‘Swanston St on Bourke St’ tram stop is located about 50m from the front of the venue. Melbourne Central Railway station is also located about 200m from the venue.
Can I bring animals? Are service dogs allowed?
Trained service animals that perform tasks related to their handler’s disability are welcome. Pets and other non-service animals are not permitted.
For the best experience, we recommend guests with service animals attend with a sighted companion, either someone they bring or a trained Fever staff member. A complimentary companion ticket may be requested on-site. The companion will join you in the VR experience and wear a headset.
You are welcome to bring your own companion, however, if they are new to VR, we recommend using one of our trained Fever staff members as your guide. Our team is experienced in assisting guests and can help ensure a smoother, more enjoyable experience. We’ve found that for those new to VR, it can be difficult to both complete the experience and guide someone at the same time.
Our team is happy to work with you to plan the best option for your visit.
Is the experience accessible for people with reduced mobility?
The event is held in an accessible venue and includes accessible entrances and exits, restrooms, point of sales, seating areas, and accessible routes throughout the space. We have two standard non-electric wheelchairs on-site, subject to availability. There are elevators available on site.
Can guests with heart conditions or epilepsy participate?
We strongly recommend that guests with heart conditions, epilepsy, or seizure-related conditions consult a physician before participating. Immersive virtual reality experiences may increase the risk of adverse health effects for some individuals.
Is the experience safe during pregnancy?
Some individuals may be more susceptible to dizziness or fainting during pregnancy, and the experience takes place on a hard walking surface throughout. For these reasons, we do not generally recommend the experience for pregnant guests.
The VR content itself is not known to cause harm during pregnancy. Guests who choose to participate while pregnant should consult their doctor beforehand.
Can I participate while carrying a baby or using a stroller?
No, because the VR headset blocks visibility of the surrounding environment, the experience is not compatible with baby carriers or strollers.
If you are attending as part of a group, our staff can help stagger entry times so that a guardian remains with the child at all times.
How do I avoid bumping into walls and other people during the experience?
The experience includes built-in visual safety cues to help you navigate your space. Walls and columns will appear as red mesh grids. If you see them, simply step away to maintain a safe distance.
All guests appear as translucent, starry avatars. Members of your group will have their names displayed above their avatars, while other guests will appear without names.
If you notice a red bubble around a guest’s avatar, it means they’ve requested extra space. Please give them additional room.
How do I book a ticket for my carer? Are companion cards accepted?
Guests requiring assistance throughout this experience are entitled to apply for one free pass for their personal assistant/support worker. Please contact us here with proof of needing a carer ticket.
Once we receive this, we will provide you with a voucher that you can use to purchase your free carer ticket in the Fever app (based on availability). Please keep in mind that you will have to show the regular ticket with this carer ticket when entering the venue. Do you offer caregiver or companion tickets?
Yes, guests who require assistance during the experience may request one complimentary ticket for a personal assistant, caregiver, or support worker at the venue entrance.
We recommend a sighted guide for guests with any level of vision loss. Guests are welcome to bring their own companion or use a trained Fever staff member as their sighted guide. If your companion is new to VR, we recommend using one of our trained Fever staff members as your guide.
Can the virtual reality experience be uncomfortable or unsuitable for certain people?
Virtual reality is designed to be immersive and enjoyable, but some individuals may experience discomfort while using a VR headset. The experience may not be suitable for guests with claustrophobia or vertigo.
Guests prone to motion sickness may experience symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, or drowsiness during or after the experience.
Is the experience accessible for guests who are deaf, blind, or have other disabilities?
Developed in collaboration with the Smithsonian Office of Visitor Accessibility, the experience includes a range of accessibility features, including:- Closed captions
- Audio descriptions
- Assistive listening devices
- Wheelchair-optimized viewing mode
- Optional “extra space” setting (adds a visible red bubble around your so other guests keep a comfortable distance)
- Trained Fever staff available as sighted guides
- Complimentary companion tickets
We recommend a sighted guide for guests with any level of vision loss. Guests may bring a companion or request assistance from our staff. Is it possible to wear eyeglasses?
Yes, people who wear glasses can experience our expedition in virtual reality. Our staff will be on hand to show them how to position the headset correctly.
Note to any visitors wearing prescription glasses: we advise using standard, single focus glasses, as other types such as varifocals may lower the overall viewing experience.
Is it possible to wear eyeglasses?
Yes, people who wear glasses can experience our expedition in virtual reality. Our staff will be on hand to show them how to position the headset correctly.
Note to any visitors wearing prescription glasses: we advise using normal reading glasses, as other types such as varifocals may lower the overall viewing experience.
I wear hearing aids. Can I still participate?
Yes, the VR headset uses small speakers that emit sound over the ears, allowing many guests with hearing aids to comfortably hear the experience audio.
Guests may also request a neck loop with T-coil compatibility, available on-site, for a wireless connection to compatible hearing aids.
What are the prohibited items at the experience?
Anything which may disturb the other visitors such as flash photography or alcohol are not allowed in the experience. For the safety of all guests, firearms, knives, mace, or any item that could be used to inflict harm are prohibited in our venues. Firearms are not allowed despite carry permits or licenses, including for off-duty law enforcement.
Will there be strobe lights?
No. This experience does not include strobe lighting effects.
Are there chairs available? Can I remain seated during the experience?
The default experience is designed as a walkthrough experience and does not include seating within the virtual environment. The expedition is optimized to ensure that individuals using wheeled mobility devices can use their devices throughout the experience. Mobility aids (such as wheelchairs) are available free of charge, subject to availability. If you would prefer a fully seated experience, we are happy to accommodate this request on-site.
Benches are available in the lobby before and after the experience for your comfort. If at any point during the experience you would like to pause or take a break, simply raise your hand and a member of our staff will be happy to assist you.
Do you offer a guided or audio-guided visit?
The experience includes a built-in virtual reality guide named Astro, an interactive avatar that accompanies you throughout the experience. Staff members are also available on-site to assist at any time.
For guests who require additional support, audio descriptions are available. This feature provides spoken narration about the surrounding environment and key visual moments throughout the experience.
Does the experience accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility aids?
Yes. During headset setup, guests can select either a “Wheelchair” or “Extra Space” option to personalize the experience for their mobility needs. The “Wheelchair” option optimizes the experience for seated viewing. The “Extra Space” option provides additional room around a guest’s avatar to accommodate mobility aids such as canes, walkers, crutches, and similar devices.
Will restrooms be available on-site?
Yes, restrooms are available within the venue for your convenience. Please ask our staff if you are unable to locate them.
Can I take photos or record the experience?
Yes, we invite our guests to take photos and videos for personal use only and we’d love for you to tag us at @starstruckexperience / @fever_global. Please note, be mindful of other guests and the use of flashes and tripods are strictly prohibited. Press photography (and any other photography for professional use) must be authorized by a staff member.
Is there a Lost & Found?
Please ask the staff if you have misplaced your belongings as soon as possible or contact us. 
3D walkthrough
Grounded in
Made for All 
