Wonderball at The Columbus Museum of Art Projection Mapping & Event Visual Installations
Our approach goes beyond standard visuals—we design and build custom 2D and 3D structures specifically for Wonderball, from a towering letter “W” to a striking 3D face that transforms through the night. Even during the year when the event shifted to a virtual format, we ensured the experience stayed engaging by crafting animation sequences for the main program and vibrant visual backdrops for extended DJ sets. For each year of Wonderball, we’ve consistently delivered dynamic visuals that enhance the gala’s atmosphere and elevate the museum’s biggest night.
Highlights
In 2024, we brought the tile wall in the atrium of the Columbus Museum of Art to life with a striking projection mapping display. Embracing the event’s theme, we used a sophisticated palette of gold, black, and white art accents, enhancing the visual impact. Our animations were meticulously designed to interact with the wall’s geometric patterns, creating an engaging and dynamic experience for guests. For the VIP experience in the pavilion, we added a unique touch by designing a “stained glass window” effect with the letter “W,” making the event even more memorable.
In 2023, we crafted a captivating stage design for the pavilion, inspired by a circular theme. The stage was adorned with a series of circular elements, each brought to life with custom projection mapping that featured intricate, circular visuals. To create a cohesive look, we extended this theme to the surrounding wall projections, which also showcased circular patterns. This unified approach ensured that every visual element harmonized perfectly, enhancing the overall aesthetic and experience of the event.
For Wonderball 2022, we took the stage design to the next level by projection mapping five towering structures in the pavilion. Each tower was transformed with cutting-edge visuals, featuring futuristic animations and intricate circuitry patterns that perfectly aligned with this year’s theme. Our dynamic projections created a visually immersive experience, making the towers a standout element of the event and enhancing the overall futuristic ambiance.
In January 2020, we created a striking 7-foot letter “W” as the centerpiece for Wonderball. This impressive structure was designed to be projection mapped with vibrant, custom animations that were uniquely tailored to complement its shape. To ensure a cohesive visual experience, we also designed accompanying animations for the surrounding room that seamlessly matched the projections on the “W.” This standout piece has since become a versatile and iconic element, featured in numerous museum events.
For Wonderball 2019, we installed a 220-degree immersive projection mapping setup that really wowed the crowd. We used custom-built screens alongside the museum’s existing features to create a seamless visual experience. The animations flowed effortlessly from one screen to the next, wrapping around the pavilion and drawing guests into a stunning, all-encompassing display. It was a memorable highlight that brought a whole new level of excitement to the event.
For Wonderball 2018, we designed a unique projection screen installation that utilized the window sills in the pavilion as the framework for the display. Our team designed custom animations to align perfectly with the geometry of these frames, enhancing the event’s black and white theme.
One of the highlights of the installation was its visibility from both inside and outside the pavilion. Guests arriving could admire the striking visuals from outside, as the projections were clearly visible through the windows. Inside, the animations seamlessly complemented the performance space, with visual content synced to the music for an unforgettable drag performance by Nina West. This thoughtful design made the installation a captivating experience from every angle, drawing guests in and adding a touch of magic as they arrived.