Created by artist Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, Atmospheric Memory is one of the most exciting and extraordinary events on the MIF19 programme. Inspired by computing pioneer Charles Babbage’s 180-year-old proposal that the air is a ‘vast library’ holding every word ever spoken, this breathtaking immersive installation features an array of ‘Atmospheric Machines’ that mine the air for turbulence caused by speech, then transform it into something we can see, hear and even touch: trails of vapour, ripples on water, epic 360-degree projections.

Artist’s sketch of the venue

We’ve now started building the extraordinary custom-built structure, which will sit next to the Science and Industry Museum’s 1830 Warehouse in the heart of Manchester city centre. Alongside Lozano-Hemmer’s own ‘Atmospheric Machines’, Atmospheric Memory will also feature rare pieces from the Science Museum Group’s collections.

Artist’s sketch of the venue

An award-winning Mexican-Canadian electronic artist who develops theatrical interactive installations at the intersection of architecture and performance art, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer has stated that Atmospheric Memory will be his ‘most ambitious project ever’. Our friends at FutureEverything, the co-commissioners of the work, have just posted a fascinating history of Atmospheric Memory – read all about it at their website.

Our Atmospheric Memory website is now live, discover more about the project, our education programme and all access information here.