Illuminarium – Take a Walk on the Wild Side

Have you ever dreamed of visiting Africa? Take a short detour off the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail and you’re virtually there. Illumanarium, the Beltline’s newest attraction, takes immersive entertainment to a whole new level, creating a space that will plunge you into the savannas of Africa complete with the sights, sounds – and even smells!

Illuminarium, the first immersive experience of its kind in North America, is situated directly adjacent to the Atlanta Beltline Eastside Trail between North Avenue and John Lewis Parkway in the heart of Poncey-Highland. Only steps from the BeltLine, Illuminarium is an attraction that is an entertainment venue by day and bar by night.

What is Illuminarium?

Illuminarium is the brainchild of CEO Alan Greenberg, who spent years concocting a digital feast for the senses that have finally come to fruition. Using a blend of 4D laser technology, audio beams, and in-floor haptics, visitors become completely immersed in an environment.

The first journey featured by Illuminarium is “WILD – A Safari Experience”, where you can walk amongst lions and feel the tremble of the earth as elephants stroll past you. Illumanarium even goes so far as to infuse the scents of Africa’s Wild, too, so you can actually smell what it’s like to get near a herd of elephants or a pack of lion cubs.

An Illuminarium experience is interactive – guests are encouraged to walk around to get the full experience. Kids are welcome too, as the immersive environment is for all ages. A cafe is also on the premises, and it opens directly onto the Eastside Trail on the BeltLine.

More than just a daytime attraction, Illuminarium stays open late Thursdays through Saturdays as a fully functioning bar like no other. By night, the immersive experiences include ocean reefs, nebulas, and even a Japanese market that you can peruse with drinks in hand while only steps from the Eastside Trail.

Going forward, expect seasonal offerings of different immersive experiences. The Illuminarium bar already provides a different, more sophisticated vibe on the weekends. “Spacewalk” is on tap for 2022, and stay tuned for more immersive environments as Illuminarium is sure to become one of the go-to destinations on the BeltLine.

How Do I Get to Illuminarium?

Located in the Common Ground complex, Illuminarium is next to Two Urban Licks and New Realm Brewery. Driving to Illuminarium is an option, but they only offer valet service. Parking is on offer at Ponce City Market or the Kroger on Ponce. If you plan to visit on the weekend, consider MARTA or Lyft as Illuminarium is sure to bring the crowds.

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