Reykjavík: Multi-Sensory Art Installation Chromo Sapiens

Chromo Sapiens, Reykjavík’s latest multi-sensory art installation, invites visitors to embark on a transformative journey. Housed in a repurposed army barracks, the captivating experience blends vibrant color, hypnotic soundscapes, and synthetic hair extensions, blurring the lines between art and nature. With its innovative approach, Chromo Sapiens promises to engage the senses and leave a lasting impression on both locals and travelers alike. But what secrets lie hidden within these vibrant caves, waiting to be uncovered?

Key Points

• Chromo Sapiens is a vibrant, multi-sensory art installation located in Reykjavik, Iceland, featuring three colorful caves made of synthetic hair extensions.
• The immersive experience transforms visitors from homo sapiens to Chromo Sapiens, blending art, science, and nature through the interplay of light, color, and sound.
• The installation is housed in a former army barracks, with the experience lasting one hour and open to walk-ins without pre-booking.
• Visitors can explore three distinct caves, each with its own unique soundscape by the Icelandic band HAM, creating an immersive sensory journey.
• The venue offers additional amenities, including a gift shop and café, and is wheelchair accessible, catering to a diverse audience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of Chromo Sapiens

Chromo Sapiens is a captivating multi-sensory art installation that transports visitors into a kaleidoscopic world of color and texture. Located in Höfuðstöðinn, Reykjavík, Iceland, the experience features three vibrant caves made of synthetic hair extensions by artist Shoplifter/Hrafnhildur Arnardóttir.

Visitors enter as homo sapiens and exit as Chromo Sapiens, immersed in the sensory delights of the installation. Soundscapes provided by the Icelandic band HAM further enhance the immersive experience.

The hour-long journey allows guests to explore and interact with the vibrant, otherworldly environment, blurring the lines between art, science, and the natural world.

Chromo Sapiens offers a truly unique and captivating experience for those seeking to expand their perceptions and connect with the world in a new way.

Location and Duration

The Chromo Sapiens installation resides in Höfuðstöðin, a former army barracks in Reykjavík, Iceland that has been transformed into a multi-purpose arts venue.

Visitors have precisely one hour from the start of their experience to enjoy the captivating world of the installation.

As part of their journey, guests will enter as homo sapiens and emerge as Chromo Sapiens, having been enveloped in the vibrant, multi-sensory environment.

The installation features three colorful caves constructed from synthetic hair extensions by artist Hrafnhildur Arnardóttir, known as Shoplifter, accompanied by Icelandic band HAM’s immersive soundscapes.

This unique artistic experience is accessible daily, with no need for advanced reservations or time slots.

Features and Soundscapes

Three vibrant, synthetic hair extension caves transfix visitors, each offering a distinct sensory experience. Immersive soundscapes by the Icelandic band HAM envelop guests, complementing the installation’s captivating visuals.

Cave	Sensory Experience	Soundtrack
Red	Warm, pulsing tones	Ambient, tribal rhythms
Blue	Cool, ethereal textures	Atmospheric, electronic hues
Green	Earthy, primal tones	Harmonious, organic melodies

The interplay of light, color, and sound creates an immersive, otherworldly environment that challenges visitors to consider their own connection to the natural world. Chromo Sapiens invites guests to transcend their everyday perceptions and emerge transformed.

Booking and Pricing

Tickets for the immersive Chromo Sapiens installation start at $20.61 per person, with no upfront payment required to secure a reservation. Visitors can book their experience online and take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The installation is open daily, and walk-ins are accepted without the need for specific time slots. This flexibility allows guests to explore the three colorful caves made of synthetic hair extensions at their own pace, immersed in the captivating soundscapes provided by the Icelandic band HAM.

Whether you’re seeking a unique cultural experience or a visually striking art exhibition, Chromo Sapiens offers a multisensory journey in the heart of Reykjavík.

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Reservation and Cancellation

Guests can easily reserve their spot for the Chromo Sapiens experience online, with no upfront payment required. The booking process is straightforward, allowing visitors to secure their tickets and plan their visit to the immersive art installation.

Reservations can be made in advance, and up to 24 hours before the scheduled visit, guests can cancel their booking for a full refund. This flexible policy ensures that visitors can adjust their plans as needed without any financial penalties.

Whether booking in advance or deciding to visit on a whim, the reservation system for Chromo Sapiens makes it convenient for everyone to enjoy this unique and captivating experience.

Venue Highlights

The Höfðustöðin venue, which opened in 2022, offers a unique setting for the Chromo Sapiens experience, having previously served as army barracks and bomb shelters during World War II.

The restored building now houses a gift shop, a café and bar with outdoor seating, and an event space. This multifunctional venue provides visitors with a variety of amenities to enhance their Chromo Sapiens journey.

The industrial-chic atmosphere and historical significance of the Höfðustöðin add an extra layer of depth to the immersive art installation, creating a truly memorable experience for all who visit.

Accessibility and Languages

The Chromo Sapiens experience accommodates visitors of all abilities, with the venue being wheelchair accessible. Hosts are fluent in both English and Icelandic, ensuring a seamless and inclusive experience for all attendees.

This multi-sensory art installation caters to a diverse audience, allowing everyone to enjoy the captivating world of color and sound. Visitors can explore the three vibrant caves made of synthetic hair extensions, while the Icelandic band HAM provides immersive soundscapes to heighten the sensory experience.

Whether you’re a local or a tourist, the Chromo Sapiens exhibition offers an accessible and engaging way to discover the unique artistic vision of Hrafnhildur Arnardóttir, also known as Shoplifter.

Customer Feedback

Reviews of the Chromo Sapiens experience have been mixed, with some finding the installation too short or silly while others appreciated its unique artistic vision. One-third of the nine reviews rated the experience as only 1 or 2 stars, criticizing it as a waste of money and "just weird hair." However, the remaining two-thirds gave it 4 or 5 stars, praising the vibrant colors, immersive soundscapes, and the opportunity to "become Chromo Sapiens." The average rating stands at 3.9 out of 5, indicating a divided response from visitors. The diverse opinions suggest that the Chromo Sapiens installation may appeal more to those seeking a truly unconventional and avant-garde experience.

Rating	Number of Reviews
1 Star	2
2 Stars	1
3 Stars	2
4 Stars	3
5 Stars	1

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Hair Extensions to the Installation?

No, visitors are not allowed to bring their own hair extensions to the installation. The artwork features synthetic hair extensions provided by the artist as part of the immersive experience. Bringing outside materials would not be permitted.

Is There a Dress Code for Visiting the Chromo Sapiens Experience?

There is no strict dress code for visiting the Chromo Sapiens experience. Visitors can wear casual, comfortable clothing. However, the colorful and immersive nature of the installation may inspire more vibrant and playful attire to enhance the experience.

Can I Take Photographs Inside the Hair Caves?

Yes, visitors are welcome to take photographs inside the hair caves. The installation encourages guests to fully experience and document their transformation into Chromo Sapiens through photos and videos. However, flash photography may not be permitted to preserve the immersive environment.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Chromo Sapiens Exhibit?

There are no age restrictions for the Chromo Sapiens exhibit. The experience is open to visitors of all ages. Children can explore the colorful hair caves alongside adults, making it a family-friendly attraction.

Is There a Limit on the Number of Visitors Allowed at One Time?

The venue doesn’t mention any strict limits on the number of visitors allowed at one time. However, it’s likely they have a capacity to ensure a comfortable experience for all attendees. Reservations are not required, suggesting they can accommodate walk-ins.

Recap

Chromo Sapiens offers a captivating multi-sensory experience, blending vibrant colors, immersive soundscapes, and natural elements to create a transformative artistic journey.

Located in a repurposed army barracks, this innovative installation invites visitors to explore and engage their senses, blurring the lines between art and nature.

Whether a local or tourist, Chromo Sapiens promises a truly unique and memorable visit.

You can check if your dates are available here: