Rediscovered Art Treasures: The Lost Crates Reveal Dreams of Legends

? Keith Haring Foundation/licensed by Artestar, New York.

Photo: ? Sabina Sarnitz. Courtesy Luna Luna, LLC

In the 1970s, little-known Austrian creative Andr Heller conceived an extraordinary idea – a world’s first art funfair called Luna Luna. It featured rides designed by legendary artists such as Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat.

Children played on these unique attractions for only one summer before they disappeared into storage for decades. The fair included not just the fantastical ride, but also a hall of mirrors painted by Roy Lichtenstein, a fun dome from Salvador Dali, and biscuits decorated by artist Gertie Fr?lich.

Luna Luna was initially a huge success with plans for an extensive tour across Europe. However, when those plans fell through due to debt issues, the fair’s owner sold it off and the rides were packed away in 44 shipping containers in Austin, Texas.

Fast forward decades later, American entrepreneur Michael Goldberg stumbled upon Luna Luna on an art blog. Intrigued by this lost piece of cultural history, he reached out to Andr Heller with a proposition for reviving the original dream.

Intricate negotiations and discussions followed until Goldberg secured backing from global rap star Drake’s investment business DreamCrew, who agreed to take on the project despite its significant financial risk. The exact amount spent is still undisclosed but has been estimated in the millions of dollars.

A team of artists, carnival technicians, curators, and architects meticulously worked for two years to rebuild Luna Luna. Their hard work paid off when it opened at LA’s The Shed this March.

The New York installation showcases most of the original rides including Harings iconic carousel and Basquiats Ferris wheel in a towering 17,000 square foot space. However, children are no longer allowed to ride on these attractions. Instead they serve as display pieces within the exhibit.

Though Andr 3000, Jamie xx and Jockstrap provide a soundtrack for the modern audience todays visitors have different ways of engaging with this extraordinary art installation such as in Heller’s Wedding Chapel or through performances.

The success of Luna Luna lies not just in its revival but also in it bridging the gap between contemporary artists and those from decades ago, providing an inclusive experience to all.