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Boonshoft Museum of Discovery | Dayton OH

Escaping into Bliss...

In a world that sometimes feels endlessly demanding, finding true peace—even for an hour—can be a challenge. But I recently discovered an oasis of calm that does exactly that: Beautifica 360 by James Hood. It’s a serene, all-encompassing experience held in the quiet sanctuary of a planetarium, where you can lean back, let go, and simply absorb the calming visual and auditory landscape unfolding above. It’s like a peaceful getaway within the walls of the planetarium, where, for an hour, the worries of the outside world seem to fade away.

James Hood, the visionary behind Beautifica 360, is a composer and percussionist with an extensive musical career. He’s best known for his immersive, ambient projects that fuse music and visuals in a way that seems to speak directly to the soul. As a founding member of the British band *The Pretenders* and an acclaimed solo artist, he’s poured his passion into creating experiences that not only entertain but also soothe and transport the listener to another world. His expertise in crafting serene, otherworldly soundscapes is beautifully woven into Beautifica 360, turning it into an unforgettable blend of art, music, and mindful escape.

This was my second James Hood experience, and it felt every bit as rejuvenating as the first. From the moment the lights dimmed and the celestial images began swirling around me, I was enveloped in an atmosphere that was completely calming. The sounds, paired with the slow-moving visuals, created a sense of peace that I find almost impossible to explain—yet it was entirely natural, as if I was tapping into a part of myself that simply needed rest.

The experience is about an hour long, but time seems to move differently in that space. In the planetarium’s reclining seats, you surrender entirely to the visuals above, slowly drifting further from the world outside. With each wave of sound, a sense of stillness settled over me, as though I’d been allowed to pause everything and simply be. By the end, I felt as if I’d been on a mini-vacation, and leaving with that renewed calm was the best kind of self-care I could give myself.

This visit was a gentle reminder that sometimes we all need a little break from reality. Finding these spaces and experiences that restore a deep sense of calm, such as Beautifica 360, is like holding on to a rare and precious gift.  I felt the simple beauty of *being*, and that, I think, is the true essence of peace. Shown around the world, when it comes near you, I highly recommend making the time to experience for yourself, it’s worth it!

Beautifica 360  

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