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, 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, a black hole, and more. Visitors 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 (SAO) and Fever, with Smithsonian Enterprises overseeing the collaboration. Content experts from SAO provided scientific oversight throughout the development. Visuals and narratives are informed by data from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the European Space Agency (ESA), 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 Immersive Center Donauturm, Donauturmplatz 1, 1220 Vienna, Austria.
Does the experience take place in an indoor or outdoor venue?
This experience is held indoors in an air-conditioned venue. You'll be nestled safely indoors where the air temperature is controlled—perfect for escaping the unpredictable whims of the outside world.
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 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?
Yes, there will be non-alcoholic beverages available on site for purchase at our lobby. There is also a Restaurant in the Donauturm.
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?
The venue has on-site parking available at the Donauturm.
In which language is the experience available?
Enjoy the experience in two languages - German and English
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. You will be able to wear your glasses, so please bring any prescription eyewear that aids your vision.
What is the recommended age for children to attend?
The minimum age for the immersive virtual reality expedition is 6 years. However, this event is more suitable for children aged 9 and over. Parents and/or legal guardians are solely responsible for all children. This is to ensure the safety of the children.
Can children do virtual reality alone?
Children aged 6 to 14 must be accompanied to take part in the experience. Children under the age of 6 are not allowed to participate, even when accompanied by an adult, for safety reasons and size incompatibility with the headset.
Are lockers or a coat check available?
Yes, there are lockers available on-site to store your belongings, including light coats.
Are personal backpacks allowed into the experience?
Personal backpacks (even small ones) are not permitted during the experience. Smaller bags can fit into complimentary lockers on-site.
About tickets
Can I purchase tickets at the door?
We will have 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 in the Fever App or on the Fever website. What methods of payment are accepted on site?
Accepted methods of payment are credit and debit cards.
Do I need to print my ticket?
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 should I do?
You can view your ticket in the Fever app, within 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 log in using the same account that you used when buying the tickets. If you still cannot find your ticket, please contact us. Do all the members of my group have to be together to begin the experience?
Yes, if you want to do the experience together you must register together on-site. If your group may arrive at different times, we suggest you order your tickets separately.
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 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 transfer my tickets to another person?
Yes, you can transfer your tickets to anyone for free. Select "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. 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 19 guests or fewer, book your Group Bundle tickets directly on the ticketing page here. For groups of 20 or more guests, please visit our dedicated Group Visits & Private Events page here. For groups of more than 40 guests, contact us at immersive-center@creartive-group.com to receive a personalized proposal. Can I come back a second time for free?
No, tickets for the experience are valid for a one-time entry.
About access to the event
When should I arrive for my scheduled session?
It is recommended that you arrive 15 minutes before the time stated on your ticket. Please note that you can only enter the building starting from 10:00. If you miss your check-in time, speak to a staff member when you arrive for assistance and, if possible, we will try to accommodate you by giving you access to the site upon arrival; otherwise, you may lose your ticket.
What are the closest stations? What's the best public transportation?
There are several public transportation options available. The closest metro station is Kaisermühlen-VIC (U1 line).
Can I bring animals? Are service dogs allowed?
Due to the nature of multi-user tracking technology, non-service animals are not allowed in order to avoid collision with other users in virtual reality. Service animals are welcome at our venues. For safety reasons, however, service animals generally cannot be in the VR play area while participants are wearing headsets. During the VR experience, guests lose vision and awareness of their surroundings, which could create a risk of injury to you, your animal, or other guests. To make sure you can still enjoy the experience, we offer the following accommodation—Companion Ticket—if you would like your service animal nearby, we can provide complimentary admission at the entrance of the experience for a companion to join you during your session. The companion will not wear a VR headset but can accompany you and your service animal in the VR arena to supervise and ensure the animal remains safe and close. Our team is happy to work with you to plan the best option for your visit.
Is the venue accessible?
Yes, 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.
Is the experience accessible for people with reduced mobility?
Yes, the experience is fully accessible for guests with reduced mobility. The venue offers street-level entry and is adapted to accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility devices.
Can virtual reality be uncomfortable or unsuitable for some guests?
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.
Can guests with heart conditions or epilepsy participate?
No, unfortunately people with a heart condition, an implanted medical device or epilepsy cannot take part in our immersive virtual reality expedition.
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, the equipment (blocking all vision of your surroundings) is incompatible with carrying a baby in a baby carrier, on your stomach, on your back, or within a stroller. If you are entering in a group, we can stagger your entrance so that there is a guardian from your group with the child in the stroller/carrier 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.
What are the prohibited items at the experience?
Weapons, drugs, sharp objects, and outside food or drinks are not permitted. Smoking and vaping are not allowed.
Do you offer caregiver or companion tickets?
Yes, guests who require assistance throughout the experience may request one complimentary ticket for a personal assistant, caregiver, or support worker at the venue entrance.
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 (subject to onsite stock availability) ● 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 for free.
Is it possible to wear glasses?
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, a person wearing a hearing aid can follow and hear the content of the experience. The virtual reality headset has small speakers that emit sound over the ears.
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 45 minute 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. There are benches in the lobby that can be used before and after the experience. If you need to take a break during the experience, please raise your hand and one of our staff can 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 companion, who accompanies you throughout the experience.
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?
We invite guests to take photos and videos for personal use only and tag us at @starstruckexperience / @fever_global. Please note, 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.
3D walkthrough 
Grounded in
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