26th Sep 2014
Steampunk HQ Infinity Portal
“This is the closest I’ve ever felt to space travel!” an excited visitor commented upon experiencing Steampunk HQ’s latest project.
Steampunk HQ introduces the Infinity Portal; a futuristic high-tech mirror and lighting installation that contrasts yet fully complements the eclectic collection of recycled industrial art and sculptures that exists already within the Steampunk HQ museum.
Steampunk HQ NZ’s premier Steampunk experience is a museum in the historic Victorian precinct of stunning Oamaru, open 10am – 5pm, 7 days per week.
Outside of the imposing free-standing Oamaru stone building, iconic “steampunk” Engine SP001 greets visitors whilst inside, the foyer gallery showcases the work of local artists and retails HQ brand merchandise.
The museum of two large darkened rooms and a basement presents a theme of a dark post-apocalyptic vision of a future “as it might have been”. Contraptions and bizarre machinery featuring heavy use of copper, gears, pipes, gas cylinders, as well as an ensemble of skeletal sculptures are lit by flickering lights and accompanied by film, projection and sounds.
A back door leads to a large yard with projects and machines in various stages of being “steampunked” including a train carriage, “aethertractor” and giant motorbike.
The Infinity Portal is the latest creation. A collaboration with Auckland Spatial Architect Angus Muir, the Infinity Portal is a gateway to other dimensions, both real and imagined. The walls, ceiling and floor are all mirrored and a lattice of hundreds of multi coloured LED Pixel lights are suspended from the ceiling, playing light sequences that move and ripple through the space. There is much more to The Infinity Portal than just a grand selfie opportunity.
Lonely Planet has rated Steampunk HQ one of New Zealand’s best new tourist attractions and it is ranked #1 Oamaru visitor attraction on Trip Advisor.
