Free cosmic art experience arrives in London for ‘Art After Dark’

A Galactic Spectacle in the Heart of the West End

Prepare for an awe-inspiring, cosmic transformation as Art of London’s Art After Dark brings a free, immersive space-inspired experience to the West End from March 6-8, 2025. Curated by the renowned eco-feminist artist and experience designer Nelly Ben Hayoun-Stépanian, this surreal takeover will fuse public art, space science, and cutting-edge technology in an event unlike any other.

What to Expect

• Monumental Moon Rocks & Cosmic Cats – Giant, asteroid-sized inflatable moon rocks will take over Piccadilly Circus, alongside towering UV-reactive sculptures inspired by Schrödinger’s quantum physics paradox.
• A Journey to the Moon & Back – Sound recordings from London’s West End—including heartbeats—will be transmitted 768,800 km to the Moon and rebroadcast in Piccadilly Circus, creating a breathtaking astronomical soundscape.
• Public Stargazing & Extraterrestrial Search – State-of-the-art telescopes will be available for public use, allowing visitors to gaze at distant nebulae and planetsalongside astronomers from the SETI Institute.
• Celebrating Creativity & Innovation – Timed with International Women’s Day, this interstellar program spotlights female and non-binary musicians, scientists, and artists from leading astronomical organizations.

Artist Statement from Nelly Ben Hayoun-Stépanian

“I am beyond excited to bring this cosmic, participatory experience to my beloved London. ‘Piccadilly Un:Plugged’ is a visual, sonic, and experiential journey—an ode to nightlife workers, artists, and the power of creative communities. This is a message of love, unity, and sustainability, urging us to rethink our futures both on Earth and beyond.”

More Highlights

• Interactive Space-Themed Art – The Cabinet of Curiosities in St James’s Market Pavilion will showcase ceramic artworks inspired by space, created in collaboration with local youth groups and Central Saint Martins.
• Exclusive Screenings & Public Installations – A specially animated short film by Nelly Ben Hayoun-Stépanian will light up the Piccadilly Lights, taking audiences on a journey from deep oceans to deep space.
• Late-Night Gallery Openings – Major West End cultural institutions, including the National Portrait Gallery, National Gallery, and Royal Academy of Arts, will extend their hours to complement the cosmic festivities.

Event Details

• WHAT: Art of London Presents ‘Art After Dark’
• ARTIST: Nelly Ben Hayoun-Stépanian
• WHERE: Piccadilly, Leicester Square, and more locations to be announced
• DATES: Thursday, March 6 – Saturday, March 8, 2025
• MORE INFO: Visit artoftondon.co.uk/artafterdark

A Cosmic Legacy in the Making

This event continues Art After Dark’s tradition of transforming the West End into a dynamic cultural hub, celebrating art, technology, and the infinite possibilities of the cosmos. Whether you’re an art lover, space enthusiast, or simply curious, this is an unmissable experience that will expand your imagination and bring the universe closer than ever before.

Don’t miss out—immerse yourself in the extraordinary!