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IMMERSE returns to Downtown Orlando with New Art Park, Art Installations and the return of the Merita Neon Sign

Writer's picture: GGOGGO
Creative City Project has revealed details on the large-scale experiences happening during IMMERSE, returning to downtown Feb. 21-23.

Large vintage sign with "Merita Bread" in red and yellow letters against a clear blue sky, evoking a nostalgic feel.

Creative City Project has announced the IMMERSE Art Park as a new addition to the IMMERSE festival, taking place Feb. 21-23, 2025 on the streets of downtown Orlando.


Full of large-scale, interactive art installations, there will be numerous opportunities for audiences to “play” in the park. From sliding down an iridescent unicorn head to swinging on a butterfly, the IMMERSE Art Park will provide a fun and unique way for audiences to enjoy a festival experience!


The IMMERSE Art Park will be located at Seneff Arts Plaza at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Audiences can gain access to the IMMERSE Art Park by purchasing a “Full Experience” ticket for the affordable price of $25.

 

In addition to the IMMERSE Art Park, the festival will feature Large-Scale Art Installations including the exciting reawakening of the completely-restored Merita Neon Sign!

 


Merita Neon Sign

Through a collaboration between The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art and the Creative City Project, the completely restored neon Merita sign that once towered over I-4 is coming out of storage and being displayed in Downtown Orlando for IMMERSE 2025!


Rustic "Merita Bread" sign with red and yellow text against a clear blue sky, showcasing vintage industrial metal framework.

After operating in Orlando for over 50 years, Merita Bakery closed in 2012. New owners of the property wanted to ensure the iconic sign’s integrity and donated it to the Morse Museum’s permanent collection. In an effort to save this medium, the Morse Museum restored the sign and kept it safe, seeking an opportunity for public display such as this.


This 48-foot-long sign will be on view on the 30 South Orange lot for 60 days, as a part of both IMMERSE 2025 and DTO Live! There might even be a familiar smell surrounding the installation!


Large-Scale Installations in the IMMERSE Art Park


People relax under a large, illuminated butterfly sculpture at night; colorful lights decorate the background, creating a festive mood. IMMERSE returns to Downtown Orlando

Mariposa by LED Labs

Mariposa is a 26-foot wide butterfly sculpture with over 39,000 full-color LEDs, hanging overhead.  A porch swing allows visitors to flap its wings while the LEDs display dazzling animations choreographed to classical music.


People gather under a dome of colorful lights in a dark outdoor setting, creating a vibrant, festive atmosphere with no visible text. IMMERSE returns to Downtown Orlando

Mind Wash by LED Labs

Mind Wash is a 26' diameter half dome.  The inner surface has over 26,000 full-color LEDs that display patterns choreographed to classical and classic rock music.  Since the LEDs are in a hemisphere, every corner of peripheral vision is filled with animated light, making for an extremely immersive experience.



Dream Slide by William Nemitoff with Curious Form

Dream Slide is a glowing unicorn that is larger than life. A journey into dreams and out the other side, this installation is a slide that runs down the unicorn’s glowing mane. Dream Slide embodies childhood wonder and fantastic visions, responding to our bodies as our dreams respond to our minds.



The Cloud Swing by Lindsay Glatz with Curious Form

The Cloud Swing is a playful and interactive experience intended to evoke a sense of wonder, nostalgia, and delight for participants. The swing, suspended from a glowing cloud structure, invites participants to interact with the artwork.  Color and light are created as people engage and swing through the air.


Additional Large-Scale Installations in the IMMERSE Footprint

 

The Art of the Heart, presented by AdventHealth

For the month of February, a 14-foot-tall heart will appear at the busy corner of Orange Ave. and South Street—in the Orlando City Hall Plaza. In the daytime, it appears as a bright red heart. At night, it illuminates with a bright red neon glow. The heart frames guests—making it great for photos and videos. Throughout the Plaza, 50 neon hearts, each about 20 inches tall, pop up amongst the flower beds, also illuminating each night.


“We are honored to support IMMERSE 2025, a vibrant celebration of the profound connection between the arts and wellness,” said Sharon Line Clary, senior vice president of community impact and partnership engagement at AdventHealth. “As we observe National Heart Month, our heart-shaped installation serves as a symbol of how creativity can uplift spirits, reduce stress, and nurture mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. At AdventHealth, our goal is to help our community feel whole and IMMERSE provides a meaningful opportunity to bring that to life.”


OUC Lights, OUC Raindrops, & Flush Forward, The Art of Conservation—three art activations, sponsored by OUC The Reliable One


Woman in floral top interacts with glowing white spheres in an illuminated art installation. Person photographing her. Bright atmosphere. IMMERSE returns to Downtown Orlando

An IMMERSE audience favorite, the OUC Lights are returning in 2025. The installation features thousands of LED lights hanging from a structure, providing a beautiful display of illuminated color. The OUC Lights promote energy efficiency and solar power. OUC Lights is a highlight of IMMERSE festivals past, being the focal point of thousands of photos taken by event attendees. The installation is interactive, allowing guests to move among the lights and experience the energy of the night.


Accompanying OUC Lights is an installation called OUC Raindrops, which originally appeared at Creative City Project’s Airplay event in 2022. It features a series of illuminated raindrops that serve as an additional photo opportunity for audiences.


The third installation commissioned by OUC The Reliable One is Flush Forward, The Art of Conservation. This unique installation features 4ft tall boxes that have a toilets displayed on top. Meant to promote OUC’s rebate programs, these structures will be painted by six artists throughout the weekend: Paulaidan, Mac the Soul, Stemberger, Selfismo, Paul Columbus, Jennifer Columbus, and McKenna Lynn. This is sure to be one of the most unique installations of the festival!



About IMMERSE 2025

IMMERSE celebrates its 10th event in the heart of Downtown Orlando from February 21–23, 2025. This three-day event runs from 5 PM to 11 PM on Friday and Saturday, with daytime programming on Sunday. Presented by AdventHealth, this year’s IMMERSE will feature hundreds of artists, live performances, and immersive art installations across 10 city blocks. Attendees will experience a vibrant festival filled with unexpected creative encounters, awe-inspiring live performances, and interactive installations that transform Downtown Orlando into a hub of creativity and wonder.


IMMERSE returns to Downtown Orlando with Blue Man Group

In addition to these large-scale art installations, the festival features performances from headliners: Cirque du Soleil, Blue Man Group, and Broadway’s Michael James Scott!


A full list of artists and programming will be announced soon at www.IMMERSEfest.com.


IMMERSE 2025, presented by AdventHealth, is a collaborative community project made possible by dozens of partners and supporters, including Orange County Arts and Cultural Affairs, the City of Orlando, and the Downtown Development Board.


Drummer playing on stage at night with vibrant light patterns projected around. Background features urban setting and neon signs. IMMERSE returns to Downtown Orlando

Ticket Options

Many IMMERSE experiences are complimentary, with some additional paid ticket options for guests seeking full access.  These opportunities include:


Full Experience $25: Includes closer access to stages, access to the IMMERSE Art Park and admission to the third-day experience.


VIP Experience $100: Includes a curated route through the event, access to exclusive VIP areas, special art encounters, two drink tickets and admission to the third-day experience.


VIP Dining Experience $175: Includes an exclusive dining experience on Orange Avenue and all the same benefits of the VIP Experience.

 

Visit www.IMMERSEfest.com to reserve tickets today and/or to learn more about this unforgettable celebration of creativity and performance.



Crowd watching colorful fireworks above a lit stage at night, set against a city building. Festive and vibrant atmosphere. IMMERSE returns to Downtown Orlando.

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