From OTHERWORLD to HAVEN: What’s inside Byron’s reimagined interactive art gallery

THE gallery formerly known as OTHERWORLD has been reimagined and reopened as HAVEN Gallery.

Housed in the former Woolworths building on Jonson Street, the attraction features more than a dozen new interactive artworks and installations designed to engage visitors and locals until the building undergoes future development.

Co-founder Simon Richardson said the works, curated by Mimi Stein, were built around the theme of play.

“We have a range of immersive interactive artworks,” he said.

“There’s an installation where you can sit on the surface of Mars, a 360-degree dome, and pieces where you become part of the art.

“We also have Australia’s largest indoor installation in Haven City, a 200 square metre recreated dystopian city inspired by Blade Runner.

“There’s also a piece from Berlin-based artists where your hands bring the art to life, along with many other works that invite people to explore.”

OTHERWORLD originally opened in March 2024 but closed in June to allow for upgrades.

“It was the low season, so it was an opportunity to pause and carry out internal renovations,” Richardson said.

The name HAVEN was chosen to reflect the experience the creators hope visitors will have.

“We wanted to create a feeling that when people come in, they can leave what’s happening outside the door and find a place of exploration where they can reconnect with their creative side,” Richardson said.

The building also includes an outdoor cultural space known as The Terrace, which is hosting monthly drawing classes.

“We have the space until at least April 2027,” Richardson said.

“It gives us a couple of summers and enough time to do some really interesting things.”