MAGIC PLACE is a vibrant, interactive playspace brought to life by acclaimed digital artists Genetic Moo, the creators of the much-loved Microworlds. Returning to The Amelia following their popular 2023 exhibition, Genetic Moo invites visitors of all ages to explore a joyful, ever-changing digital environment inspired by the magic of early computer graphics.
Running from 27 June to 1 September 2025, MAGIC PLACE is a family-friendly exhibition that celebrates creative exploration and multi-sensory play. The name itself was coined by a six-year-old visitor to describe the artists’ previous show, capturing the sense of wonder and imagination that continues to inspire this new work.
Rendered in a cheerful, abstract style using a nostalgic 8-bit colour palette, MAGIC PLACE draws on the artists’ own childhood experiences with 1980s technology, from BBC Microcomputers and BASIC programming to video games, electronic music, and early internet culture. It’s a celebration of the digital magic that shaped a generation and continues to inspire new ones.
As visitors interact with the space, they trigger a rich soundscape of beats, beeps, sound effects, and musical snippets. Every touch contributes to a layered, evolving audio experience, allowing people to build complex grooves and rhythms as they play. The environment also offers multiple pathways, encouraging participants to create their own micro-narratives and compare their unique journeys through the space.
“We wanted to recreate that feeling of wonder we had growing up in the 80s, when technology felt limitless and full of possibility,” say artists Nicola Schauerman and Tim Pickup of Genetic Moo. “MAGIC PLACE is about giving that sense of creative freedom back to today’s kids—and the grown-ups too.”
The exhibition is accompanied by a lively programme of public events and activities, perfect for families looking to make the most of the summer holidays. For more details, visit: https://theamelia.co.uk/whats-on
MAGIC PLACE is a touring exhibition produced by Kitmapper.