Studio Dreamachine: an intimate immersive experience in Hackney
Studio Dreamachine, a new immersive experience, has launched in Hackney. A more intimate rendition of the original Dreamachine, this immersive experience has been crafted by a dynamic team of artists, composers, technologists, scientists, and philosophers.
Image: Dreamachine. Photo by David Levene.
What does the experience involve?
As you step into Studio Dreamachine, you'll find yourself enveloped in what feels like a communal campfire. Within this intimate enclave, up to twelve individuals can partake in the hour-long experience. During this journey, you’ll be guided through a process using light and music to unveil a colourful world behind your closed eyes.This world is crafted by the remarkable power of your brain, making it a wholly unique experience tailored just for you.
Prepare to be greeted by a medley of visions: intricate patterns, urban landscapes, and abstract hues. It's akin to a leisurely rollercoaster ride through time and space.
The Aftermath
After participating in the Dreamachine experience, there is a dedicated period for reflection. During this time, participants reflect on their feelings and what they encountered. This reflection phase offers an opportunity to express the experience through drawings, which become part of the Dreamachine Exhibition. The exhibition features drawings created by visitors as a representation of their personal experiences with the Dreamachine. The drawings currently on display, which can be seen prior to entering the experience, are just a fraction of the many created across various UK cities, highlighting the uniqueness of each individual's Dreamachine journey.The exhibition celebrates both the visual variety of experiences and the creativity of the participants.
Image: Studio Dreamachine. August 2023. Photo by MTotoe
Following Dreamachine's sold-out UK tour last summer, numerous visitors made requests for the permanent availability of the Dreamachine due to its positive effects on mental health and well-being.Studio Dreamachine is their initial venture into integrating an intimate version of this experience into daily life and the local community. Their goal is to enhance the well-being of visitors through social connections, creative activities, self-reflection, and relaxation.
Whether used for enjoyable group sessions or as a regular part of one's week, Studio Dreamachine provides a chance to undergo a transformative experience.
Date: Tuesday - Sunday, with multiple shows per day between 7.30am and 9pm until September 2023. Location: Hackney Downs Studios, located at 17 Amhurst Terrace, London, E8 2BT. Price: Tickets are £15 per session. We also offer low-income tickets for £6 as we believe Studio Dreamachine should be accessible to all. Book now.
Polygon Productions will open Polygon Portal on 7 May 2026 at Dean Street in Soho, introducing a new London venue dedicated to spatial audio presentation, live performance and curated listening sessions…
Five institutions have been announced as finalists for the Art Fund Museum of the Year 2026, the world’s largest museum prize, which recognises excellence and innovation across the museum sector…
This week in London sees the return of several festivals, new exhibition openings and major live shows across the city, including the Little Venice Film Festival and Brick Lane Jazz Festival. Tate Modern Lates also takes place, alongside theatre and dance at Sadler’s Wells East and the National Theatre, and…
London in the summer is packed with major events that bring together art, sport, music, and outdoor culture. From long-standing traditions like Wimbledon and the Chelsea Flower Show to large exhibitions and evening cultural programmes, the city offers a wide range of experiences across different neighbourhoods. Below is a more detailed guide to key events in 2026…
This year at Art Central, I decided to try something different. I slowed down. I sat down with the curator and an artist from the fair and asked them how they see a fair, and what they said really touched me and reminded me why we do the work we do…
I saw local artist Orange Terry's new commission Found Faith: a chapel-like prayer pod on industrial wheels with no entrance. A work about seeking serenity in chaotic times. When I first saw it, I felt that it was asking me to slow down, to look closer, to question, to find a way in….
Enoch is a local curator who is also an artist, who joined Art Central three years ago, right as the city reopened. When we met, he was in a very colourful suit, and his tie matched my top: golden yellow. We hadn't even said hello yet, and already we clicked on colour…
A major exhibition will celebrate the life and work of Sir Peter Blake, one of the most influential figures in British Pop Art, at Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery. The exhibition will present highlights from his seven-decade career, including paintings, collages, prints, sculpture, and works on paper…
Delcy Morelos’ Origo at the Barbican transforms the Sculpture Court with earth, clay and scent, while the Design Museum stages a major survey of NIGO’s influence on global streetwear and design. Francisco de Zurbarán receives a landmark presentation at the National Gallery, and Tate Britain turns to James McNeill Whistler for a major retrospective of his work…
London’s cultural scene this week (13–20 April) features a range of festivals, exhibitions and live events. These include experimental film at the Open City Documentary Festival, cross-disciplinary performances at Multitudes, and the opening of the V&A East Museum…
Vue London is marking the arrival of spring with a celebratory anniversary season that brings some of Hollywood’s most cherished films back to cinemas…
London’s cinema scene thrives with independent venues, festivals and outdoor screenings. Here is our guide to where to get your film fix this summer…
Cities across the country host a wide range of galleries and museums that present the work of both established and emerging talent. Here is our guide to art galleries and museums you must see whilst in Ghana…
Discover what’s on in London from 6–12 April 2026, including the much-anticipated opening of the V&A East Museum, the London Soundtrack Festival, the Alternative Book Fair, and late-night jazz at Ronnie Scott’s…
The Southbank Centre is launching a new weekend festival, Letters To The Future, celebrating youthful perspectives on the biggest challenges of our time. The programme brings together writers, activists, and performers, including Amelia Dimoldenberg, Ash Sarkar, Olly Alexander, Mya-Rose Craig, and Rebecca F. Kuang…
In response to the unexpected cancellation of the South African Pavilion at the 61st Venice Biennale, Gabrielle Goliath will independently present her acclaimed performance project Elegy, coinciding with the Biennale…
This is probably one of Dulwich Picture Gallery’s best exhibitions in recent years. The partnerships with Estonia’s core repositories of Konrad Mägi’s works have resulted in a retrospective featuring his finest paintings in terms of quality and historical importance…
Grammy and Brit Award-winning global superstar Dua Lipa has been announced as the curator of the 2026 London Literature Festival at the Southbank Centre in October 2026…