Color Factory, an immersive art pop-up, brings you through a world of color in an individualized experience. There are several installations which are interconnected and thoughtfully placed in sequence, each created by an artist and their take on “color.” I found myself enjoying each room with a child-like innocence, excited and in awe at the smallest thing. As you move throughout, you can only move forward, not back into the previous room. Along the way you are delighted with little treats and surprises, and it leaves you wondering what’s ahead. At the end is the grand finale, a big blue ball pit, where adulthood as you know it is left at the door. So if you’re looking for fun things to do in NYC that are totally instagrammable, this is the place.
“100 Colors” installation by Emmanuelle Moureaux
Color Factory: Things to Do in NYC
You are first greeted with a little treat of mochi ice cream from My/Mo Mochi. Then you are brought into a room for a brief presentation about Color Factory and basic rules to follow. In the next room you register and receive a QR code card which can be used to have photos taken which are conveniently emailed to you and can be accessed via a link. Here you can also grab your favorite flavored macaron while checking out the first installation.
Conveyor belt of macarons from Mille Feuille NYC
Flower People by James Rosa
“Wall of Buttons” with various colored buttons filling the walls
The Experience
I don’t want to spoil too much, as it’s best experienced through the lens of the unknown. What I really loved about this exhibit is how decisions you make as you journey through affect one another. I never felt too overwhelmed and there was a nice balance between active participation, and more passive. For example in one room there are questions on the floor, and how you answer them determines your path through the room that ultimately leads to a door out. In another room is a set of colorful blowing balloons with wishes from local kids on them. You’ll also get lots of sweets in between, and cool things to take home with you. I never got bored once, and found myself quite bummed when it was over.
“Sing Me High, Sing Me Low, Bring Me Back, Let Me Go” installation by Lakwena + Abimaro
“Balloon Wishes” sponsored by Gymboree. Each balloon has a wish from students at 826NYC.
Takeaways
I definitely left here with a different view on color and emotionally inspired, especially as a designer. The details in the exhibit were well-thought out and the branding was superb. From the typography, to the items you receive, it’s all in sync. It took about 1.5 hours to go from beginning to end, so plan for at least that.
The gloriously calming blue ball pit filled with fun
At the end you’ll receive a colorful map with several more activities placed around the city. You can also choose from a range of gifts, I picked a set of Sticky Puffy Feelings stickers by Jon Burgerman for my daughter to enjoy. Did I mention this place is great for kids too? I plan to bring my 3 year old here again! Before you exit, there’s a gift shop with a myriad of colorful stuff some of which is exclusive to Color Factory.
So if you’re in the NYC area or visiting, don’t miss out on this wonderful experience! Tickets are $38 and available online.
How to get here: C/E to Spring St., or 1 train to Houston St. Walk to 251 Spring St.