Dataland, a new museum dedicated to artificial intelligence art, opens June 20, 2026, at The Grand LA in downtown Los Angeles. Founded by digital artist Refik Anadol and painter Efsun Erkiliç, the institution utilizes sophisticated software and AI to transform massive data sets—ranging from rainforest butterfly patterns to medical-grade visitor biometric data—into immersive, real-time sensory experiences.
How Artificial Intelligence Is Redefining Museum Spaces
Dataland moves beyond the traditional concept of static art by using AI that responds to its environment. According to Refik Anadol, the museum’s software is composed of over 10 million lines of code. This system processes diverse inputs, such as movement captured by Lidar sensors and heart rates monitored via medical-grade bracelets worn by guests. By partnering with organizations like L’Oréal’s Luxe division for scents and Valerie Confections for chocolates, the museum creates a multi-sensory environment where, as Anadol notes, the artwork can “feel us back.”
“Data is not just a number,” Anadol pointed out. “With the information explosion that began in the 1960s, almost anything can be considered data—photographs, video, audio, even butterfly wings.”
The Evolution of Refik Anadol’s Digital Art
Anadol’s path to Dataland began a decade ago with meditative displays of weather data. His 2018 commission for the Los Angeles Philharmonic marked a breakthrough, as he projected digitized orchestral archives onto the Walt Disney Concert Hall. However, his rise has not been without debate. His 2022-23 installation “Unsupervised” at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) drew polarized reactions. While Sebastian Smee of The Washington Post called it an “early masterpiece of A.I.-generated art,” critics like Travis Diehl of The New York Times dismissed it as a “screen saver,” and Jerry Saltz of New York magazine labeled it a “massive techno lava lamp.” Despite the criticism, “Unsupervised” was acquired for MoMA’s permanent collection.
Bridging the Digital and Physical Worlds
The concept for Dataland emerged during the pandemic, when Efsun Erkiliç and Anadol sought a way to connect the digital and physical realms without relying on virtual reality headsets. The museum’s inaugural exhibition, “Machine Dreams: Rainforest,” draws on the couple’s travels to the Amazon to visit the Yawanawá people. The centerpiece, the Infinity Room, features an eight-minute, AI-generated film that incorporates the mating call of an extinct Hawaiian bird, recorded in 1987. Erkiliç describes the inclusion of this call as a tribute to the bird’s “mission” to sing its final song.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Dataland located?
Dataland is located at The Grand LA, 100 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles.
When does the museum open?
The museum officially opens to the public on June 20, 2026.
Does the museum track visitor data?
Yes, the museum uses Lidar sensors and medical-grade bracelets to monitor visitor biometrics, though Anadol states that this data is deleted upon exit unless a visitor requests otherwise.
How can I purchase tickets?
Information regarding tickets and the museum’s programming can be found at dataland.art.
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