Smithsonian Starstruck, a new virtual reality experience at London's Science Museum, takes visitors on a 360-degree journey through the cosmos, blending stunning visuals with hard astronomy. The experience, running until 30 August 2026, costs from £14.40 and lasts 40 minutes.
What the Experience Offers
Created by the Smithsonian Institution, the VR tour is guided by a reassuring American narrator who leads participants through various observatories and space telescopes. Highlights include witnessing the dawn of the universe, visiting an uninhabitable planet covered in diamonds, and standing before the event horizon of a black hole. The visuals are described as spectacular, though they are often interpretations based on available data.
Educational Value and Interactivity
The experience provides a decent amount of educational content without feeling like a lecture. However, reviewer Andrzej Lukowski from Time Out questioned whether the VR format was necessary. He noted that walking around added little to the films, and a few interactive elements felt gimmicky. He suggested it might have been as effective in the museum's IMAX theater.
Technical and Practical Issues
Some technical glitches were reported, including avatars of other group members being visible but people from other groups bumping into participants. The price, while not exorbitant, makes it the most expensive sub-attraction in the museum, and unlike other paid areas, a year's return pass is not available.
Overall Verdict
According to Lukowski, "if you like space, VR or ideally space and VR, you'll have a blast. But in a museum where Power Up and the WonderLab are absolute must-sees, Smithsonian Starstruck is more of a nice bonus than an essential."
Details
Address: Science Museum, Exhibition Rd, London SW7 2DD. Nearest tube: South Kensington. Prices start at £14.40. The experience runs 40 minutes. For more information, visit the Science Museum website.
