About The Unreal Garden
The Unreal Garden is an immersive mixed-reality art exhibition in San Francisco where visitors don AR headsets and wander through a physical “sculpture garden” overlaid with digital animations. It was originally built on Market Street by the Onedome art collective as a flagship 20,000-square-foot installation (www.lichen-projects.com ). Guests wear Microsoft HoloLens headsets that project virtual flora, fauna and effects into the space (blooloop.com ) (vrvoice.co ). The set itself includes real plants, a waterfall, stream, pond and even a “hobbit house,” while 3D spatial audio and 2D/3D projection mapping fill the space with sound and color (vrvoice.co ) (vrvoice.co ). Debuting on October 19, 2018 (blooloop.com ) (www.sfchronicle.com ), The Unreal Garden was touted as “the first large-scale multiplayer augmented reality experience” in San Francisco (www.prnewswire.com ). In practice, the exhibit combines digital art by a global roster of artists (Android Jones, John Park, Jasmine Pradisitto, Andy Thomas, and others) into a cooperative AR environment (blooloop.com ) (www.sfchronicle.com ). Critics have even called it a “high-tech sculpture garden” that updates the traditional art gallery with technology (www.sfchronicle.com ) (vrvoice.co ), making it a singular part of San Francisco’s art-and-technology scene.
Events and Programming
The Unreal Garden isn’t a conventional concert or theater; it’s essentially one continuous interactive installation. Rather than having separate performances, it runs in scheduled sessions during its exhibition periods. For example, one public run was listed from August 5 through November 5, 2021 (www.ticketfairy.com ). During visits, guests freely explore the art at their own pace rather than sitting through a scripted show. Notably, Onedome even presented a 6,000-square-foot pop-up version of The Unreal Garden at the E3 gaming expo in 2019 (www.prnewswire.com ), which reportedly drew about 6,000 visitors in just three days (www.xrtoday.com ). (For reference, early journalists reported ticket prices around \$30–35 for adults and \$20–25 for teens (www.sfchronicle.com ).) Overall, events at this venue consist of daily or nightly sessions of the exhibit itself, rather than separate concerts or one-off shows. As one review noted about its popularity, attendance was rising so quickly that visitors were advised to “grab your ticket soon” to avoid long lines (www.sfchronicle.com ).
Tickets and Booking
Tickets must be purchased in advance through the official channels (there is no traditional box office). Because it’s a timed-entry attraction, you pick a date and session when booking. Shows can sell out on busy nights, so it’s wise to secure tickets early. A San Francisco Chronicle report from early 2019 emphasized that lines were forming as weekend attendance rose, urging readers to book ahead (www.sfchronicle.com ). If listed online, a typical tier might be around \$33 for an adult and \$22 for a youth (ages 11–17) (www.sfchronicle.com ), though prices can vary with promotions. (Indeed, some past ticket sellers even offered Melbourne or group discount codes — for example, an event page referenced entering a Groupon promo code at checkout (www.ticketfairy.com ).) A sign on a recent listing also notes “Ages 5+”, indicating that children under five are not permitted (www.ticketfairy.com ). In short: buy tickets online well in advance of your desired date, and watch for any promo codes. During sale periods, sessions may open a few weeks ahead of time on the venue’s site.
Seating and Layout
The Unreal Garden is built as a free-roaming indoor space — there are no fixed seats or theater rows. Visitors stand and move along garden-like pathways between the art installations. The layout includes landscaped platforms, bridges and natural features that you can walk around (even a “hobbit house” structure is part of the scene) (vrvoice.co ). As noted on the event listing, the venue is wheelchair-accessible (everythingimmersive.com ), but it does involve extended standing and walking, so wear comfortable shoes. Because the audio is delivered through spatial sound (via headset) and ambient speakers, you don’t need to worry about finding a “good seat” for sound; simply approach any art piece and the headset’s audio will follow. Sightlines are 360°, so you can view each installation from multiple angles. In practice, the best vantage is wherever the action (usually marked by an AR trigger or projection) is occurring — for example, stand next to a sculpture to see its AR animation clearly. Overall, expect to wander and explore organically rather than sit in one place.
Getting There and Parking
The venue is centrally located in the Civic Center area at Market Street between South Van Ness Ave and 12th Street (around 1025 Market St) (www.ticketfairy.com ). It’s extremely accessible by public transit: San Francisco’s Civic Center station (BART and Muni Metro lines) is steps away (www.ticketfairy.com ), and the new Market & Van Ness subway stop is also very close. Multiple Muni bus and light rail lines run along Market Street, and F-line trams stop on Market as well. If you’re driving, note that downtown parking is metered and paid: nearby garages (e.g. Market Square Garage on 5th St or the Performing Arts Garage) charge on the order of \$8–\$15 per hour, while street meters are about \$2/hour (capped at \$10 per day) (en.parkopedia.com ). In fact, the event site advises that “paid public parking lots are] conveniently located within walking distance” ([www.ticketfairy.com ). For rideshare drop-offs, you can usually be let out on Market Street right in front of the building (avoid blocking bus lanes); otherwise, the nearby cross-streets have short-term curb space. Many visitors simply take BART to Civic Center and walk over, since it’s only a couple of blocks.
Inside the Venue
Upon entry, staff will hand you a mixed-reality headset (HoloLens 2) and explain how to wear it (blooloop.com ) (vrvoice.co ). Once in the space, you remain visible to others while the headset adds special effects around you. The room itself is dimly lit with colorful projection mapping; one media report even described a mock “Elixart Café” on one side serving creative nonalcoholic drinks and lattes as part of the decor (hifructose.com ), though in many runs this was only a themed installation rather than a fully staffed snack bar. Standard event regulations apply: typically, outside (especially alcoholic) beverages and large bags are discouraged, so it’s best to travel light. Restrooms are usually located just outside the main installation hall. Despite being indoors, most organizers ask guests to follow any local health guidelines – for instance, during the 2021 run, attendees 12+ had to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a recent negative test (www.ticketfairy.com ). Otherwise, once you’re inside, the only gear you need is the provided headset. Feel free to use your own smartphone during the exhibit – in some versions of Unreal Garden there were “selfie stations” where your phone’s camera could trigger and capture the AR content (www.xrtoday.com ). The experience is designed to be family-friendly, low-key and very user-guided, so take your time enjoying the sights and sounds.
Nearby Amenities
The mid-Market/Civic Center neighborhood offers plenty of convenient dining, lodging and nightlife options. Within a few blocks on Market or Mission Streets you’ll find casual eateries and cafes: for example, sandwich shops, pizza-by-the-slice counters, or local coffee spots (there’s even a popular bakery on 10th Street). For sit-down restaurants or bars, consider walking a bit further: the Hayes Valley area (to the west) and Union Square area (to the north) are both within about a 10–15 minute walk and have a wide range of choices from Mexican and Italian to upscale American. Right near Civic Center you’ll also see chain options (coffee shops, delis, etc.) and street vendors during weekday lunches. As for hotels, the Civic Center/market corridor has several: the Marriott (780 Mission St.), Hilton and Hyatt are all within a few blocks, and many Union Square hotels lie just up Market or 5th Street. If you arrive early or stay late, note that BART and Muni Metro stop running around midnight (about 12:30am on weeknights, 1:30am on weekends), but late-night buses and rideshare services are readily available for after-hours travel. For safety, the area is busy and well-trafficked during operating hours, though it’s wise to remain with your group if it gets late.
What Makes This Venue Special
The Unreal Garden’s claim to fame is how it blurs the line between reality and fantasy. It was one of the first large-scale projects to let multiple people simultaneously experience augmented reality in a shared physical space (www.prnewswire.com ). Instead of a passive art show, it’s designed as a collaborative experience: observers can trigger animations and even manipulate the virtual environment together (as intended by the creators) (vrvoice.co ) (medium.com ). Its setting is also unique – the combination of lush plantlike sculptures, dramatic lighting and water features makes it feel like stepping into a storybook. Critics note that it “combines augmented reality, projection mapping and soundscapes in a single high-tech sculpture garden” (www.sfchronicle.com ) (vrvoice.co ), and it deliberately emphasizes the technology as part of the art. Visually striking AR elements (like glowing plants and creatures that respond to movement) and upbeat sound design were even showcased at E3 2019, where ultrahaptics were tested to add a sense of touch (www.xrtoday.com ) (vrvoice.co ). Perhaps most importantly, the talent driving it is top-tier: The Unreal Garden features work by renowned digital artists (Android Jones, Jasmine Pradissitto, Andy Thomas, John Park, and more) (blooloop.com ). Together, these factors make it a standout in the city’s entertainment scene. As one visitor put it after completing the walk-through, the space truly “responds to your presence,” and you become “part of the story” being told around you (medium.com ) (medium.com ) – exactly what the designers hoped would happen .
Visitor Tips and Information
Generally speaking, plan to treat The Unreal Garden like any museum exhibit or immersive attraction. Wear comfortable, casual clothing and walking shoes since you will move around a lot. The official policy is 5 years and up (annu), so families with infants cannot enter (www.ticketfairy.com ). It’s fully wheelchair-accessible (everythingimmersive.com ) and carpeted for easy mobility, but small children and anyone who dislikes heights should take care (there are low platforms and small stream crossings). Guests pick up their AR gear at a front desk, so arrive 10–15 minutes early to ensure a smooth start. You will handle expensive headsets, so avoid wearing hats or face masks that could shift the fit; let staff adjust the device if you wear glasses. Typical gadgets are welcome – in fact, several versions include “Selfie Stations” where your phone camera can capture the AR effects! (www.xrtoday.com ) – but in most areas your phone camera alone won’t see the virtual art unless you stand at those kiosks. Outside food and large bags are discouraged; at most you might find a small in-exhibit café area or souvenir table, but dining is best done before or after the session at nearby restaurants. Lastly, keep an eye on current policies: for example, a 2021 notice required proof of COVID vaccination or a recent test (www.ticketfairy.com ), though by 2025 that would have changed in line with local rules. In short: bring yourself (and maybe a pho ne), relax, and let the augmented reality do the rest of the entertaining!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do tickets cost and where can I buy them?
Ticket prices have been in the \$30–\$40 range for adults and around \$20–\$25 for youths in past runs (www.sfchronicle.com ). Tickets are sold through the venue’s official channels or authorized partners (usually online only). There’s typically no walk-up box office for same-day sales, so you should reserve dates in advance. The show often runs in blocks of weeks, so watch for the official release of new dates and buy early, as popular sessions can sell out quickly (a local review even noted audiences should “grab your ticket soon” (www.sfchronicle.com )). Age restrictions (typically 5 and older) and any group or promo discounts will be listed at checkout.
Where exactly is The Unreal Garden and what transit or parking is best?
The Unreal Garden is located on Market Street in downtown San Francisco between South Van Ness Ave and 12th Street (near Civic Center) (www.ticketfairy.com ). The nearest BART/Muni station is Civic Center – it’s only a short walk from any downtown-bound train or trolley to that stop (www.ticketfairy.com ). Several Muni bus lines and the F-line streetcar also run along Market Street. If driving, you’ll find public garages (like Market Square Garage) and metered street parking nearby. Expect to pay roughly \$2 per hour at meters (capped around \$10/day) (en.parkopedia.com ), and garage rates are typically \$8–\$15/hour. Paid parking lots are within walking distance (as noted on the venue info page (www.ticketfairy.com )). Ride-share drop-offs can be done curbside on Market St. In short, public transit is easiest (especially BART to Civic Center), but there are paid parking options if needed.
Is there seating or assigned seats inside?
No – The Unreal Garden is arranged like a walk-through interactive exhibit. There are no assigned seats or seating areas (except maybe some benches for resting). Visitors stand, walk and pause as needed to view each art installation. The venue layout is wheelchair-accessible (everythingimmersive.com ), but expect to be on your feet and moving for the duration of the session. If you need to sit, a few casual chairs may be placed around, but they are not fixed seats; everyone is free to wander anywhere in the space. In practice, just move close to an exhibit and put on your headset to see it from any angle.
What is the best place to stand for viewing the effects, and are there areas to avoid?
Because the experience uses a 360° environment, there is no single “best seat.” You should stand right in front of each sculpture or AR marker to see its full effect through the headset. The exhibit is designed so that attractions can be viewed from multiple sides. Generally, avoid standing in others’ paths or blocking high-traffic walkways – just keep moving on the designated path. Also avoid looking directly at very bright projector lights. If using the “selfie stations” to capture images, stand where indicated by staff or signs so your camera can pick up the AR imagery (www.xrtoday.com ). Other than that, just walk around and explore freely; staff will guide you if you drift off course.
Are strollers or large bags allowed inside?
Strollers should be avoided because the environment has uneven surfaces (steps, small ramps over the stream, etc.) and the space can become crowded. Also, the AR headsets have limited peripheral visibility, making maneuvering strollers difficult. If you have a young child, it is better for an adult to carry them through. As for bags: large backpacks or camera tripods generally aren’t allowed on the exhibit floor (for safety and to prevent tripping hazards). A small purse or camera bag is usually fine. In past runnings, coat checks or small lockers were available at the entrance for storing belongings during the show. If in doubt, ask the staff on site; they typically provide a secure place for gear while you’re inside.
What items or behaviors are prohibited?
General museum/event rules apply. You’re not allowed to smoke or vape; you cannot bring alcohol or illegal substances; and weapons or disruptive devices (lasers, etc.) are strictly prohibited. Flash photography or video recording (especially of the headset image) would spoil the experience, so it’s discouraged. Outside food and drinks usually aren’t permitted beyond one small water bottle per person, especially since the focus is on the art. As one source noted during a past run, attendees over a certain age had to show vaccine or testing status (www.ticketfairy.com ) – future requirements will follow city guidelines, so check for any health policy updates in advance. In short: treat it like a contemporary art museum or theme attraction in SF, and use common sense.
Are there age restrictions or is this suitable for children?
The Unreal Garden is intended for ages 5 and up (www.ticketfairy.com ). Toddlers and infants (typically under 5) are not admitted, both for safety (AR headsets are not child-sized) and because younger kids may not appreciate the abstract experience. For older children, it’s usually family-friendly – the graphics are fantastical and non-violent – but it does require walking and attention, so parents should supervise. There haven’t been official reports of age-specific restrictions beyond the minimum, but keep in mind that the HoloLens can feel heavy; if a young visitor leans heavily on the staff-provided headset, consider taking breaks. In short, children 5+ can enjoy it (often with great delight), and parents should guide them through the experience.
Is the venue accessible for wheelchairs or limited mobility?
Yes. The venue is wheelchair-accessible – the event organizers explicitly noted this in their mobility advisories (everythingimmersive.com ). The floors are level or gently sloped, and there are no narrow aisles. That said, because the show involves moving through different exhibition sections, you may want a companion to help clear any minor obstacles like small ramps or turns. The exhibit’s audio and visual elements all work with the headset, so someone in a wheelchair will see and hear the same content (though they should still stay close to each AR trigger for best effect). If you have any accessibility questions (e.g. hearing-impaired needs or needing assistance), it’s a good idea to contact the venue organizers in advance, but standard accounts suggest it’s a fairly inclusive setup.
