There is a new experience in Amsterdam that promises to be unlike anything you have seen before. After breaking attendance records in North America and selling close to a million tickets, James Hood’s Mesmerica is making its way into Europe and one of its stops is right here, in the ARTIS Planetarium, on 29 August and 19 September 2025.
I have always loved the magic of planetariums, but Mesmerica takes it further. It combines ambient, relaxing music with hypnotic 3D visuals created by artists from around the world. Imagine lying back in your seat, looking up at the domed ceiling, and being surrounded by waves of colour, light, and sound. The idea is to take you on a journey that slows you down, engages your senses, and makes you forget the outside world for a while.
The show is suitable for anyone from the age of six, so it can be a lovely family outing. It is also the kind of experience you could enjoy on your own or with friends. Some people who have seen it in the US went back two or three times because they found it so calming and inspiring.
Bringing Mesmerica to ARTIS feels like a perfect match. The planetarium already invites you to think about our connection to the universe, and this show adds an artistic and emotional layer to that. You could easily spend a day exploring the zoo and its conservation projects, then step into the dome for this immersive journey through sound and light.
If you are a fan of experiences like WONDR or Amaze, this will likely be up your alley, but it also stands out for its relaxing, meditative side. Tickets are already available, and given its track record in the US, it might be wise to book early: Mesmerica tickets.
About James Hood
The artist behind Mesmerica is renowned as a vital and versatile musical pioneer, especially with his work on the PanART hang, a uniquely mesmeric melodic instrument known for its soothing quality and for his collaborations with international animation artists. His lengthy and varied musical resumé includes playing drums in The Pretenders, an ongoing two-decades-plus run as mastermind of the visionary ambient/electronica act Moodswings, and an expansive array of production and soundtrack projects.
“I want Mesmerica to inspire you into taking a journey with me inside the mind, to engage your senses and feelings with a miraculous alchemy of sound and light!” – James Hood says.
Caution: There is no strobe used in the production, but there are some rapidly flickering light transitions, so caution is advised for those who suffer from epileptic seizures.
Dates: 29 August and 19 September at ARTIS Planetarium.
This article was created in collaboration with Mesmerica. As always, I only share events and experiences I think you will enjoy.
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