London’s West End has been transformed into an intergalactic spectacle as a free public art installation takes over the city. The event, part of Art of London’s Art After Dark (6-8 March), features a cosmic-themed experience led by artist and designer Dr. Nelly Ben Hayoun-Stépanian.
Centred around Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square, the installation includes asteroid-shaped boulders, neon cats inspired by Schrödinger’s quantum paradox, and a lunar-bounced soundscape featuring music from Massive Attack, The Avalanches, Moses Boyd, and Mirrored Fatality. The audio has been transmitted to the Moon and back using Earth-Moon-Earth technology, creating a unique celestial sound that echoes across the West End.
The installation, titled Piccadilly Un:Plugged, brings together space agencies, astronomers, and musicians in an immersive cultural experience. The soundtrack includes a newly produced piece featuring the heartbeats of women from Ben Hayoun-Stépanian’s Armenian family, created in collaboration with the late artist EOBIONT (Láwû Makuriye’nt), who passed away this week.
Visitors to the event can explore space through state-of-the-art UNISTELLAR telescopes stationed across the West End. Guided by astronomers from the SETI Institute, the public is invited to participate in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. Meanwhile, a red telephone box outside The Londoner hotel allows guests to “call the Moon” through an AI-powered hotline.
A highlight of the programme is the special screening of From The Void To The Full on 8 March, marking a world-first for Piccadilly Lights. Ben Hayoun-Stépanian’s surreal film blends deep-sea and space imagery, exploring humanity’s drive for discovery through fire and electricity.
The event also celebrates International Women’s Day with late-night gallery openings, BSL tours, and interactive exhibits. A collection of ceramic artworks, co-created with local youth groups, is displayed at St James’s Market Pavilion until May.
Rachel Williams, a local city worker, described the experience as “a surreal encounter with glowing rocks and a hypnotic soundscape that had travelled to the Moon and back.”
Ben Hayoun-Stépanian said: “This installation invites people to step out of the ordinary and into an extraordinary universe. It’s a celebration of love, compassion, and inclusivity, powered by an electric team of scientists and artists.”
Kirsty Tullett-Jones, Director of Marketing and Communications at Art of London, added: “We are excited to bring this cultural adventure to London. Art After Dark is free and accessible, offering an immersive experience in the heart of the West End.”
The Avalanches, whose track We Will Always Love You was included in the lunar soundscape, said: “It’s fascinating to hear how the journey to the Moon and back alters the sound. We’re honoured to be part of it.”
Art After Dark is delivered by Heart of London Business Alliance in collaboration with Westminster City Council. More details and exclusive deals can be found on the Art of London website.
