Visit PIXELBLOOM, An Interactive Metaverse of Gorgeous Virtual Blooms

The cherry blossoms are an annual springtime tradition in Washington, D.C., and a beloved phenomenon for family travelers and locals alike. But those gorgeous pink-tinged blooms are ephemeral — sometimes more so because of non-cooperative spring weather, including a deluge of rain or gusty winds. Whether you had the opportunity to stroll along the Tidal Basin this year and get your fill of the real deal, or weren’t able to make it to town in time for the yearly event, you still have a chance to see thousands of cherry blossoms … albeit in a virtual, interactive way.

The Washington, D.C., location of ARTECHOUSE, an innovative gallery offering experiential exhibits at the intersection of art, science and technology, is currently running its annual cherry blossom-themed exhibit, PIXELBLOOM. An original production now in its fifth year, this show pushes the boundaries of digital art for a trip through a virtual floral metaverse.

It’s a stunning, can’t-miss event, so it’s best to reserve timed tickets in advance, as only so many are allocated per time slot. The focal point of the exhibit is the Immersion Gallery, where an 18-channel, 270-degree, floor-to-wall surround projection array and a 22.5-channel spatialized audio system presents a 22-minute audiovisual installation. The famous Japanese flowers, as well as hibiscus, hyacinths and other blooms, both real and imagined, project on the walls and floor, timed to an ethereal soundscape. For the best view, either grab a seat against one of the side walls or on one of the small round pillows scattered around the floor.

One section takes guests on a cool trek through the trees, during which it feels like you are in flight while branches part and the blossoms are seemingly infinite. (If you or your kids are prone to motion sickness, it might help to close your eyes during some parts.)

Once you’ve been mesmerized by the signature experience, check out Blossoming Field, an interactive floor exhibit where you can use your feet to get branches to bloom, orbs to dance and honeycombs to form amid swirling bees. In the layered illusion of the Luminous Glade, a forest at night displays on hanging scrims of semi-transparent fabric. In Gallery 1, don’t miss a three-sided cherry blossom sculpture with interactive visuals. If you like, you can download an optional app to unlock an even more immersive experience. And, if you’re interested in purchasing one of the digital pieces of art as an NFT, you can scan a QR code to get more information.

Besides the visuals on display, a highlight of PIXELBLOOM is the art in your glass, courtesy of XR Bar’s selection of floral-themed craft cocktails ($15) with Japanese ingredients. The namesake libation mixes Roku Gin, lemon, crème de mure and blackberry, topped with toasted rice foam; Blooming shakes vodka with Midori, yuzu and lemongrass shochu, topped with honeydew sorbet; and the Old-Fashioned-esque Metaverse, stirs Japanese whisky with cane sugar, black walnut and sassafras. To appeal to kids and anyone else not imbibing alcohol, all five cocktails come in zero-proof versions ($7). The Cherry Fusion, with lemon, sweet cherry, plum and mint, subs in soda for the mezcal, saké and shochu, while the Petal Burst is an aromatic fizzy sip with red bean, strawberry and vanilla essence. There is also a selection of beer, saké and wine ($8–14.)

PIXELBLOOM opens 10 a.m.–10 p.m. every day and continues through June 5, 2022. Regular admission costs $25, students, seniors (65-plus), children aged 4–15 are $17, and children under 4 enter for free. Family Packages for two adults and two children are available on weekdays for $75.