• Advertise
  • Donate
  • Write
  • Intern
  • Events
  • About
  • Contact

The Austinot

Discover the Best Things to Do in Austin, Food & Drink deals and more!

  • Things To Do
    • Things To Do This Weekend
    • Kids Events in Austin this Weekend
  • Discoveries
    • Austinot Loves
    • Activities
    • Day Trips
    • Local Business
  • Food & Drink
    • Food
    • Drink
  • Entertainment
    • Events
    • Film
    • Music
    • Nightlife
    • Theatre
  • Culture
    • Arts
    • History
    • Museums
  • Et Cetera
    • Non-Profits
    • Podcast
    • Archives

Miracoco by Architects of Air Has Returned to The Long Center

January 27, 2014 by David Thomas 2 Comments

Architects of Air Miracoco at The Long Center

It doesn’t take much for a vivid imagination to run wild inside Miracoco

When I first moved to Austin, back when Emo’s was on 6th St., there was this dude who would sit out on the sidewalk of 6th St. and spray paint these crazy designs on canvas. He’d then light the canvas on fire and the end result was a beautiful alien landscape. That guy is no longer around, but Austin hasn’t stopped being an inviting environment for creativity.

What Is Architects of Air?

Until February 2nd, The Long Center will be hosting an extremely unique and interactive art exhibit called Architects of Air: Miracoco Luminarium. Created by Alan Parkinson, luminarium are unique, one-of-a-kind sculptures made of custom designed inflatables. Yes, you read correctly. These are surreal, labyrinthine inflatable structures that take advantage of a plethora of design elements and natural lighting.

Architects of Air Natural Light

Though it may seem hard to believe, all lighting comes from the sun

I wasn’t sure what to expect as I stepped into the luminarium named Miracoco. In short, I was blown away by the color and design. Jenni, my guide, told me the light source is the natural light found outside. This was interesting, since it was rather gloomy outside during my visit. I could only imagine how wildly vivid the experience would be on a clear day.

It was as if I stepped into a kaleidoscope. Every time I looked through my camera, I saw something new – the body of a jellyfish, a dragon’s eye, a supernova, and so on. Those with psychedelic or surreal imaginations should not miss this exhibit!

What Is Miracoco

Miracoco is one of Alan Parkinson’s newer luminarium, created in 2011. This particular display features the largest center dome built to date. Last year, The Long Center displayed Exxopolis, which was designed to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Architects of Air’s first luminariun, Eggopolis.

The 2013 event generated so much buzz, it drew in 10,000 visits in a single week and expectations are equally high this year. You have a few days to get your turn, though. The exhibit opened on January 24th and will be open until this Sunday, February 2nd.

Due to the material Miracoco is made of, visitors will be asked to remove their shoes. With the erratic weather Austin has been experiencing, it wouldn’t hurt to wear a nice pair of thick socks. During my visit, a cold front had just assaulted the city and my tootsies were pretty chilly by the time I left. Regardless of the temperature, I could have easily worn out my welcome.

Architects of Air Miracoco Passage

This is one of the passages that connects the colored domes of Miracoco

Architects of Air offers a one-of-a-kind experience that should not be missed. In fact, this exhibit is only one of two happening in the entire state this year. Better yet, it is wheelchair accessible and family friendly.  Children two years old and under get in free. Tickets are $10.00 for everyone else and kids under 16 should be accompanied by an adult. If you are a Long Center Member or Subscriber, you are privy to priority access.

What You Need to Know

  • Wear warm socks
  • There are no presale tickets to the general public
  • Shoes and possessions are left in the reception area at the owner’s risk
  • Photos are welcome
  • Weekday hours are 11 AM-5 PM
  • Weekend hours are 10 AM-5 PM
  • For visitors and those new to Austin, The Long Center is located at 701 W Riverside Dr

 

@The_DT_Show asks:

Have you ever checked out Architects of Air at The Long Center?

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
David Thomas
David Thomas
David Thomas
Latest posts by David Thomas (see all)
  • Cap City Comedy Club Is My Favorite Place in Austin and Here’s Why - May 20, 2015
  • Esther’s Follies Summer Camps Teach Fine Art of Vaudeville - May 6, 2015
  • Moontower Comedy Festival Is Back with Over 100 Comedians - April 15, 2015

Filed Under: Activities, Arts, Culture, Discoveries

Best of The Austinot

We always have unique content on The Austinot and we love to give things away. You know, like concert tickets, gift cards, and other cool stuff. We only send out our “Best of the Austinot” newsletter twice a month. It’s where we give you a recap of our best articles and give stuff away. Interested? Subscribe to Best of The Austinot here!

Comments

  1. Debi Spillman Tisdale says

    January 27, 2014 at 7:31 pm

    awesome!

    Log in to Reply
    • David says

      January 29, 2014 at 6:12 am

      I was honestly blown away by the exhibit.

      Log in to Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Connect with Us

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Popular Right Now

4th of July Deals Austin

Best 4th of July 2025 Deals Austin: Dining, Retail & More

What's Open on 4th of July Austin

What’s Open on the 4th of July in Austin (2025)

Best Fun Events in Austin this Weekend of June 27, 2025

Best Fun Events in Austin this Weekend of June 27 Include Sazon Latin Food Festival, Art In ATX: Pride Market, and More!

Top Kids Events in Austin June 27-29, 2025

Top Kids Events in Austin June 27 – June 29 include Pride Picnic, Dinosaur Day, and More!

Best Events in Austin in July 2025

Celebrate Summer Right: Best July Events in Austin 2025

Recent Posts

  • Best 4th of July 2025 Deals Austin: Dining, Retail & More
  • What’s Open on the 4th of July in Austin (2025)
  • Best Fun Events in Austin this Weekend of June 27 Include Sazon Latin Food Festival, Art In ATX: Pride Market, and More!
  • Top Kids Events in Austin June 27 – June 29 include Pride Picnic, Dinosaur Day, and More!
  • Celebrate Summer Right: Best July Events in Austin 2025

Welcome to The Austinot

We are all about Austin: the vibe, the people and the uniqueness of the city. We love to explore. Get to know us! We’ll respond if you comment. Heck, we’ll probably invite you to come and hang out with us!

Follow along to help support and learn more about local businesses, artists, and events.

-The Austinot Team

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2025 · Log in