Cultural Astronomy

Cultural Astronomy / Melinda File, Benedikt Pfisterer, Lisa Hochgatterer, Dan Tell, Rita Gautschy - Photo: Magdalena Sick-Leitner / Ars Electronica

Deep Space 8K

Experience

Cultural Astronomy

Melinda File (AT), Benedikt Pfisterer (AT), Lisa Hochgatterer (AT), Dan Tell (US), Rita Gautschy (AT/CH)

For thousands of years, humans have gazed upward—drawn to the rhythms of the sun, moon, and stars, weaving them into the very fabric of life, myth, and meaning. Cultural Astronomy invites you on a breathtaking 3D voyage across five continents, exploring some of the world’s most awe-inspiring cultural heritage sites and their celestial connections. Witness the summer solstice at Stonehenge and trace the origins of Europe’s constellations, learning about stories that ancient peoples have mapped onto the stars. Explore the cosmic vision of the Ancient Egyptians and step inside the legendary tombs of the pharaohs, where architecture and astronomy converge in sacred harmony. Watch the sun crown Angkor Wat’s main tower like a radiant jewel and see the Milky Way rise in splendour above Machu Picchu. In Australia, listen to the ancient star-lore of Aboriginal peoples whose stories still resonate with people today. A unique and captivating journey, revealing how the sky connects us across time and culture.

Online registration required: Select your preferred date from the table below and click on the time to register for the presentation.

WED 3. Sept. 12:30 – 13:00
THU 4. Sept. 11:30 – 12:00
FRI 5. Sept. 13:00 – 13:30
SAT 6. Sept. 14:30 – 15:00
SUN 7. Sept. 17:00 – 17:30

Ars Electronica Center, Level 0, Deep Space 8K
Wed 3. Sep 2025 12:30 – 13:00
Thu 4. Sep 2025 11:30 – 12:00
Fri 5. Sep 2025 13:00 – 13:30
Sat 6. Sep 2025 14:30 – 15:30
Sun 7. Sep 2025 17:00 – 17:30

Registration required!

Tickets

Language //

EN, DE

Ticket //

ONE DAY PASS, FESTIVALPASS, FESTIVALPASS+, Ars Electronica Center Ticket

  • Rita Gautschy

    Rita Gautschy studied astronomy and classical studies. She is a professor of classical studies and digital humanities at the University of Basel, director of the humanities research data infrastructure DaSCH, and the Swiss coordinator of the pan-European infrastructure DARIAH.

  • Melinda File

    Melinda File

    Melinda has been part of Ars Electronica for over 16 years and has worked with Deep Space 8K since its opening in 2009. As head of the Deep Space department, she creates engaging storylines and strives to ensure memorable visitor experiences. With over a decade of presenting and involvement in several successful productions, she aims to deliver meaningful content to audiences.

  • Lisa Hochgatterer

    As a child, I loved drawing, crafting, and experimenting—always in search of new ways to express myself and explore the world. Despite this creative curiosity, I initially chose a scientific path and studied biology. Today, I am part of the Deep Space Team at Ars Electronica, where I contribute to a wide range of exciting projects. Alongside conceptual and research-based work, my role also allows me to realize my own artistic projects—actively shaping the intersection of art, technology, and science.

  • Benedikt Pfisterer

    Benedikt Pfisterer is a media artist from Linz, Upper Austria. His works often explore the intersection of video art and generative algorithms. Through the use of art-based research, he attempts to filter out stories from the noise of big data, sheds light on sociological and political issues of the digital age and draws maps for a hyper-connected world.

  • Dan Tell

    Dan Tell has spent the last decade focused on bringing geospatial visualization into astronomy simulation software for immersive environments. He has worked with planetariums, immersive theaters, and museums around the world, empowering scientists to enhance their research and outreach with visual storytelling. Through his company, Tau Immersive, he crafts virtual shared experiences that deepen public appreciation and understanding for science, and build empathy for the world and its people.

Credits

Concept and story: Melinda File, Ars Electronica I Technical lead: Benedikt Pfisterer, Ars Electronica I Constellation illustrations: Lisa Hochgatterer, Ars Electronica I Technical direction: Dan Tell, Tau Immersive I Scientific advisor: Rita Gautschy, University of Basel I Angkor Wat 3D model from “Virtual Angkor” courtesy of SensiLab, Monash University

Please note: The program for the Ars Electronica Festival 2025 is still in progress.
We are currently preparing all the information for the website and plan to put the full program online in the coming days – stay tuned!