After a 250-year absence, the ‘Dictionary Desk’ of celebrated 18th century writer Samuel Johnson makes a historic return to his former abode, Dr Johnson’s House in the City of London.
The Eastern City Business Improvement District is proud to present The Observatory, a free immersive digital art house created by Creative Giants Art, blending art, technology, and storytelling to explore the human experience and bring light and joy to the winter months.
After its successful debut last year, the new iteration of The Observatory will open at Broadworks, 56 Old Broad Street, from 6 to 31 January 2025. This year, it supports the suicide prevention charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM).
The Observatory offers a unique space that reimagines art outside traditional gallery settings, providing a sanctuary in the heart of London’s financial district. Designed to help workers and visitors navigate the challenges of January, it offers a calming environment to pause, reflect, and reconnect, promoting wellness and emotional exploration through an innovative blend of art and technology.
Featured Experiences:
- Harmony 2.0 (6 – 18 January 2025) Created by We Are Midnight and inspired by Turkish artist Ela Brunel Hawes, Harmony 2.0 is a real-time, interactive group experience where six participants, using EEG headsets, shape a visual masterpiece in a fluid well through their collective calm and mindfulness. The experience culminates in a group meditation, fostering connection and serenity.
- Soul Paint (20 – 31 January 2025) Soul Paint is an internationally acclaimed virtual reality experience co-created by Sarah Ticho (Hatsumi) and Niki Smit (Monobanda), guiding participants to explore their emotions through body mapping and 3D drawing. Narrated by actor Rosario Dawson, this deeply personal and creative journey encourages self-expression and emotional discovery. Soul Paint premiered at South by Southwest Festival Texas (SXSW) in 2024, winning multiple awards for its impact on health and wellness.
