Drake, the multi-talented artist and rapper, is taking on a new venture by investing in the revival of an abandoned fantasy amusement park in Los Angeles. The neglected park, initially launched in Hamburg, Germany, in 1987, was known as the “fairground of sensations” and “the museum of the future,” created by André Heller, who had previously commissioned works from renowned artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring.
The amusement park, named “Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy,” features perfectly preserved rides that had been decommissioned for over 30 years, stored in a facility in Texas. Drake, along with his entertainment firm DreamCrew, acquired these rides, investing more than $100 million in total to recreate a park-like environment in Los Angeles, according to reports.
Scheduled to open to the public this month and run through the spring of 2024, Luna Luna will be housed in a massive 60,000-square-foot complex. However, visitors won’t be able to ride the Ferris wheel by Basquiat or the carousel by Haring, as these iconic art pieces are considered both highly valuable and rare. Instead, guests can appreciate these works up close in an immersive and carnival-like setting.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Drake’s company aims to make the exhibit feel like a real carnival, complete with performers wandering the warehouse space. Visitors can explore pieces such as Salvador Dalí’s “Dalídom,” a geodesic dome that serves as an extraordinary funhouse. The aim is to create a dream space where guests can let go of societal constraints and tap into their sense of adventure, childhood, or desire to be amazed.
While ticket prices for Luna Luna have not been disclosed on the attraction’s website, interested individuals can sign up to be notified when ticket sales open to the public.
Moreover, Drake’s involvement in the amusement park is framed as a long-term project with a multi-faceted approach, exploring the intersection of art with the modern world. DreamCrew shared in a statement with the LA Times, “Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy is the first installment of what will be a long-term project with a multi-faceted approach exploring the world of art and its intersection with today’s modern world.” This suggests that there may be more fantastical parks and experiences in the pipeline.
In summary, Drake’s investment in Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy showcases his commitment to bringing art to the public in unique and immersive ways, offering an unforgettable experience that blurs the lines between art, entertainment, and fantasy.