Refik Anadol Studio is preparing to unveil DATALAND, the world's first museum dedicated to AI arts, scheduled to open its doors on June 20, 2026. Located within Frank Gehry's architectural masterpiece, The Grand LA, in the vibrant heart of downtown Los Angeles, this institution promises to redefine artistic expression in the digital age by merging human imagination with artificial intelligence. Spanning 2,320 square meters, the museum will house five unique galleries, fostering a dynamic environment for exploring the creative potential of data and generative systems.
As the grand opening approaches, the studio has offered a preview of Gallery C—the Infinity Room—a reimagined version of one of its most celebrated installations. This multisensory experience, first conceived at UCLA in 2014, has been showcased in over 35 cities to more than 10 million visitors. Its latest iteration at DATALAND features advanced AI-generated scents and sophisticated world models that simulate physical and spatial dynamics, demonstrating the museum's commitment to responsive, living art environments. The inaugural exhibition, "Machine Dreams: Rainforest," will run from June 20, 2026, to January 31, 2027, transforming all five galleries into a narrative exploration of the intricate relationship between machine intelligence and the natural world.
Further enhancing its innovative mission, DATALAND will also launch an Artist Residency Program in partnership with Google Arts & Culture, providing a platform for artists to delve into human-machine collaboration. Additionally, a membership program will offer early access and engagement with the museum’s digital platforms, including the Living Encyclopedia, which allows visitors to interact directly with the datasets and AI systems that drive the museum's exhibits. This long-term venture by Refik Anadol and Efsun Erkılıç, whose studio was founded in Los Angeles over a decade ago, signifies a monumental step in permanently embedding data-driven art within an architectural framework, challenging perceptions, and fostering empathy towards environmental intelligence.
DATALAND represents a visionary initiative that transcends traditional art forms, pushing the boundaries of creativity and technology. By integrating artificial intelligence into both its architecture and exhibitions, the museum invites us to reconsider our relationship with data, nature, and the evolving definition of art itself. It stands as a beacon of innovation, inspiring future generations to engage with art that is not only visually stunning but also intellectually stimulating and deeply connected to the world around us. This groundbreaking institution encourages a future where technology and humanity coalesce to create profound and meaningful experiences.