Blumenthal Arts, the Charlotte nonprofit that operates the Blume Studios venue, is to host what Blumenthal Arts bills as the North American premiere of "Leonardo versus Michelangelo: The Epic Battle of Genius," produced by Barcelona-based Layers of Reality (creators of the IDEAL Digital Arts Center in Barcelona). The presentation is the first production in an ongoing partnership that will bring Layers of Reality's productions to Blume Studios through 2027. The 90-minute exhibition is to transform Blume Studios' 32,000-square-foot Stage One into eight themed rooms combining 360-degree projection, exhibition design, theatrical storytelling, interactive galleries, virtual reality and a metaverse environment. In the 'Florence 1500' room, a 360-degree virtual reality sequence lets visitors explore the artists' studios, walk through Renaissance Florence and enter the Hall of the Five Hundred in the Palazzo Vecchio. In the 'Battle Royale' room, a metaverse environment lets visitors explore a full-scale virtual museum and choose which masterpieces to 'save or condemn.' Visitors cast a final vote for Team Leonardo or Team Michelangelo in a closing 'Moment of Truth.' The exhibition is scheduled to run Nov. 12, 2026 through March 27, 2027; individual tickets start at $23 and go on sale Sept. 18, 2026. This record covers the Leonardo-versus-Michelangelo production.
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“This partnership gives Charlotte a direct connection to one of the most innovative immersive arts organizations in the world, and allows us to build something that can last here.”
“Our ambition has always been to create experiences that do more than entertain; they should spark curiosity, encourage learning and bring people together through culture and technology.”
