After sitting in storage for more than three decades, the art amusement park “Luna Luna” is finally going on tour; it starts with a book publication, while in the meantime the park in Los Angeles is being restored. Some weeks ago Colossal, called the “Tate Modern of the Internet”, has published a richly illustrated article on the history of this heritage work of art and the plans for a world tour. Colossal writes: “In the summer of 1987, a carnival like no other popped up for thirteen weeks on a public green in Hamburg, Germany. Walking through a gate featuring an oversized painting by Sonia Delaunay, visitors entered the world of Luna Luna, an amusement park brimming with rides and kiosks designed by some of the most recognizable names in 20th century art history like David Hockney, Roy Lichtenstein, and Salvador Dalí, to name a few. Altogether, thirty-five artists were invited to create new works for the fairground, which was slated for a global tour, including a Ferris wheel by Jean-Michel Basquiat and a carousel by Keith Haring.”
Walls and a carousel designed by Keith Haring. All images courtesy of Phaidon (Photo linked to Colossal)
According to the author of the article the park saw nearly a quarter of a million visitors in its first—and only—summer. A change of ownership after its initial installation trapped the project in a legal battle, and it was instead locked away in storage. It was more than three decades before it was seen again. In 2022, a team of creatives organized to buy the contents of the original presentation, restore it, and launch a multi-city tour starting in 2024. To mark this new chapter, Phaidon has also re-issued the book Luna Luna: The Art Amusement Park, first published in 1987 that includes numerous photographs and documentation along with cover drawings commissioned by the artists.
An overview of Luna Luna (1987); All images courtesy of Phaidon (Photo linked to Colossal)
What was special about Luna Luna was that art for all took place here. André Heller, Austrian artist, curator and author of the book “Luna Luna: The Art Amusement Park”, described the attitude behind the project thus:”Art should come in unconventional guises and be brought to those who might not ordinarily seek it out in more predictable settings.”
A performer in a moon costume in front of a design by Roy Lichtenstein; All images courtesy of Phaidon (Photo linked to Colossal)
Colossal writes:”The Luna Luna team aims to pick up where the original edition left off, evolving and incorporating new commissions from innovative and influential artists working today. While the components of the park are currently being restored in Los Angeles, you can grab a copy of the book on Bookshop. Find more information on Luna Luna’s website, and follow the project on Instagram for updates about the upcoming tour.”
Luna Luna, the Book. All images courtesy of Phaidon (linked to Phaidon)
