General
What is Luminarium?
A Luminarium is a sculpture you enter for an encounter with light. This immersive art installation has been likened to a labyrinth. Walking through will awaken all of the senses, creating a sense of wonder and enchantment for all ages. Many people find the luminarium calming – a place for rest or meditation. Others are simply hypnotised by this amazing world of light and subtle and saturated hues.
The beautiful colours are created by natural light travelling through the material of the Luminarium walls. You will hear an ambient soundtrack. Each visitor has their own way of exploring the structure – some like to see every twist and turn, whilst others prefer to find a spot to rest and contemplate. We encourage you to explore in your own way!
Once you are ready to leave, you can do so through the one-way exit.
Who is a Luminarium for?
The Luminarium is suitable for all ages. It is a great option for a family day out, introducing younger children to artistic and cultural experiences in a public space. The structure is fully accessible for wheelchair users, who are welcome to visit at all times. We are hosting dedicated accessible and dementia-friendly sessions for those who prefer a more controlled environment.
How long does it last?
A visit usually lasts around 20 minutes. If there are no queues you are welcome to stay and relax longer. At busy times, we may place a time limit of 20 minutes on your visit to allow as many people as possible to experience the Luminarium.
Who is Luminarium by?
Luminarium is brought to you by Nottingham-based company Architects of Air, led by designer Alan Parkinson. Their exhibitions have travelled to over 40 counties across 5 continents, reaching over 3 million people to date. You can find out more about Architects of Air here: www.architects-ofair.com.
When does it take place?
Luminarium will take place between 5th – 10th August 2023, it will be open between the hours of 12noon and 6pm (last admission 6pm). The piece uses natural light to create its daytime spectacle.
Where is it taking place?
Luminarium will take place in Helix Park, Falkirk on the great lawn. It is a large, inflatable structure and will be hard to miss. Stewards will be around to help guide you!
Do I need a ticket?
Yes. Tickets are £6 per person (under2’s free) plus 50p booking fee. We recommend booking tickets in advance to avoid long wait times. On arrival at the site, you will join one of two queues – advance ticket and on the door tickets. There is more information about ticketing below. When you are admitted into the reception area you will remove your shoes and leave them in the designated area along with any large bags. All belongings left at the reception are done so at the owner’s own risk. You will then be admitted into the Luminarium.
Advance Booking
A limited number of pre-purchase tickets will be available online for admission at booked times. Advance ticket holders must arrive 10 minutes before the time indicated on the ticket. A small queue should still be expected. If advance tickets are indicated as sold out, you can still join the line onsite! Tickets are on sale via www.thehelix.co.uk . Advance booking tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable, so please ensure all details are correct upon purchase.
On The Day Tickets
There will be a box office at the Luminarium for entry on the day and it will be done on a first come, first served basis. Once you have bought a ticket, you will join a queue for entry as others exit the Luminarium. Please note that this queue may close early in the event of high attendance.
Is it suitable for children and young people?
Yes! Luminarium is suitable for all ages and a fantastic opportunity to introduce young people to cultural events. Those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult over 18. Prams and pushchairs cannot to be taken into the Luminarium.
Accessibility
Is the installation wheelchair accessible?
Yes, Luminarium is suitable for wheelchairs and Helix Park is fully accessible .
Are guide dogs allowed inside?
The Luminarium is not an environment a dog feels comfortable in, even a guide dog. Other visitors may find it threatening if there are dogs barking. The dog would also need to wear protective shoes. So, our rule is that your guide dogs should remain outside, and we will find an alternative way for you to be accompanied through the Luminarium.
Do Carers go free?
Limited carers tickets are available. If you require a carers ticket, please call our box office on 01324 506850.
Is it suitable for those who are deaf or hard of hearing?
Yes. The Luminarium is predominantly visual and can be enjoyed by those who are deaf or hard of hearing. There is an ambient soundscape that accompanies the installation that contains no words and is not necessary to enjoy the experience.
Is it suitable for those with a visual impairment?
Luminarium is a highly visual installation that uses colour and light, though those with a visual impairment are welcome to explore the installation to enjoy the atmosphere and ambient soundscape. The Luminarium is not an environment that is suitable for guide dogs, so guide dogs should remain outside with a member of our team. If you have a visual impairment and would like to enter Luminarium, please make yourself known to a member of staff on arrival who can provide you with some more information and guide you.
Flashing lights, seizure warning and sensory warning
Luminarium contains no flashing lights or artificial lighting, and the colours within are created from sunlight flooding through the material. The Luminarium may have up to 80 people at any one time, so please be mindful of this in advance of your visit.
Is there seating inside of the Luminarium?
No, there is no seating available within Luminarium, but visitors are welcome to sit and lie down within the structure if they wish at any time.
Are there disabled toilets nearby?
Yes, the disabled toilets at the Plaza café and changing places toilet at the Kelpies car park. Stewards will be able to direct you to them.
I am a blue badge holder, where should I park?
Blue badge parking is available within Helix Park or Falkirk Stadium, both are a short distance from the great lawn area. Please remember to bring your Blue Badge with you and to display on your vehicle.
Do you have wheelchairs or mobility scooters on site for public use?
No, we do not, so you will need to provide your own mobility aids. The site is accessible for all wheelchairs.
Weather Conditions
Will the installation be cancelled in adverse weather conditions?
As Luminarium is an inflatable structure, the installation may be closed during high winds. Though firmly secured, safety is our number one priority, and the structure will reopen when it is safe to do so. In high temperatures, the Luminarium may temporarily close to cool down. The structure will open as soon as it is safe. Please listen to your stewards on the day for updates.
Tickets
Where are my tickets?
Your tickets will be emailed to you as soon as you book. Please check your spam folder is you cannot find them. Please download your ticket in advance to your mobile devise for scanning on the day.
Can I collect tickets from the box office?
No, there is no collect at box office for this event. You will receive your ticket via email please download your ticket in advance to your mobile devise for scanning on the day.
I have not received my email confirmation, is this normal?
No, if you haven't received an email confirming your ticket purchase, please send us details of your booking and when you booked your tickets. Please email bookings@falkirk.gov.uk or call 01324 506850.
Will my tickets be posted out to me?
No, your tickets will be an e-ticket, so please download your ticket in advance to your mobile devise for scanning on the day. If you cannot find your e-ticket please email bookings@falkirk.gov.uk or call 01324 506850.
I have lost or mislaid my tickets; can I get duplicates?
Tickets will be emailed out, but if you can't find your tickets, please contact our box office on bookings@falkirk.gov.uk with your booking reference and they will be able to update you or replace your tickets if required. You may be required to prove your identity and/or proof of purchase.
What time should we arrive?
Advance ticket holders must arrive 10 minutes before the time indicated on the ticket. A small queue should still be expected.
Can I exchange my ticket?
Sorry, tickets cannot be refunded after purchase. Tickets can be exchanged for another timeslot where at least 48 hours’ notice is received (availability permitting). To rearrange call 01324 506850.
Can I just show my e-mail confirmation to enter the event?
All tickets will be scanned at the Box Office and customers must have a e-ticket with a unique bar code. Valid tickets will be accepted in all formats, whether printed or on mobile phone.
Is there a waiting list for tickets if they sell out?
No. We are not able to add names to a waiting list when the tickets are sold out.
If the event is cancelled, do I get a refund?
In the event of cancellation of the event by us, you will be contacted by the Box Office and your payment will automatically be refunded to you. If one of the event days is cancelled, we CANNOT automatically accommodate you on the following day however you can go online and purchase a new ticket.
Travel
Where can we park?
There are a number of parking spaces at within Helix Park and also at Falkirk Stadium. There is lots of other parking available in Falkirk but the roads around The Helix are urban clearways and parking here is forbidden.
Free parking areas near the Helix Park are:
• Forth Valley College
• West Mains Industrial Park
• Central Retail Park
There are lots of other ways you can get to the event, from cycling, to walking, using the extensive network of paths in the Falkirk area to Helix Park.
Falkirk Grahamston Station is a 45-minute walk to the park with frequent trains from Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Midland Bluebird bus times can be found here
Photography
Can I bring my drone to the event?
No. Use of a drone on the site of the event, or within a 150-metre radius of the event site, contravenes aviation safety legislation and, to ensure the safety of the general public, we reserve the right to call the police to intervene.
Other
Can I bring a pushchair?
Pushchairs are not permitted within the structure.
Are there toilets available?
Yes, the parks toilets will be open as normal at the plaza café and kelpie’s car part as well as at the Visitor centre at The Kelpies.
Will there be food available?
The plaza café will be open as normal. And there is plenty of space on the great lawn for you to enjoy a picnic before or after your visit to the Luminarium.
Is alcohol permitted?
No alcohol is permitted within Helix Park
Who are the organisers of Luminarium?
Luminarium is created and delivered by Architects of Air and brought to Falkirk by Falkirk Council
How can I get in touch to provide feedback?
Advance ticket holders will be sent a survey after the event to gather feedback. You can also contact us by sending an email to hello@falkirk.gov.uk with your thoughts or comments.
