Artist Meg Saligman is set to unleash a surreal experience known as the Ministry of Awe at Manufacturer's National Bank in Old City, starting March 14. This six-story, immersive art exhibition will not be just a typical show featuring individual works, but an interactive, evolving cultural landmark aimed at sparking connection and mystery.
Upon entering, visitors are immersed into a dreamlike scenario where a coalition of local artists has taken over the historic bank to pose one provocative question: What is the true value? Each corner of this 8,500 square foot space will have its own theme, often with tongue-in-cheek references to the site's history as a bank. From loan forgiveness rooms to security offices and interactive displays, there's no shortage of artistic expressions.
Saligman's vision for Ministry of Awe is not just about showcasing art but creating an immersive experience that encourages people to engage with it. "Part of the excitement is that it will continue to be an evolving work of art," she said. The exhibit promises to bring people together and adapt to new ideas and interactions.
Upon entering this alternate reality, visitors will encounter AI-generated bank tellers, performance art, sculptures, murals, and more. To add to the mystique, thieves may attempt to steal valuables or recruit others to rob the "vault" – a space that stores fears rather than cash. The concept is rooted in challenging our perceptions of money and its value.
Saligman, known for her extensive public art projects around the world, including some of Philadelphia's largest murals, is fully committed to embodying the role of the Ministry's leader. "Some of the truest things are found in fiction," she said. For Saligman, Ministry of Awe represents a reality that blurs the lines between fantasy and truth.
The project has been a long time coming – first conceived in 2015. The ultimate goal is to promote local artists, leveraging tourism dollars to sustain the arts community. As the exhibit opens, visitors will have access to certain time slots with tickets available starting in January. Pop-up workshops for the public will be offered on Tuesdays and Fridays until the opening date.
Ministry of Awe promises to be an unforgettable experience that challenges our perceptions of art, value, and reality itself.
Upon entering, visitors are immersed into a dreamlike scenario where a coalition of local artists has taken over the historic bank to pose one provocative question: What is the true value? Each corner of this 8,500 square foot space will have its own theme, often with tongue-in-cheek references to the site's history as a bank. From loan forgiveness rooms to security offices and interactive displays, there's no shortage of artistic expressions.
Saligman's vision for Ministry of Awe is not just about showcasing art but creating an immersive experience that encourages people to engage with it. "Part of the excitement is that it will continue to be an evolving work of art," she said. The exhibit promises to bring people together and adapt to new ideas and interactions.
Upon entering this alternate reality, visitors will encounter AI-generated bank tellers, performance art, sculptures, murals, and more. To add to the mystique, thieves may attempt to steal valuables or recruit others to rob the "vault" – a space that stores fears rather than cash. The concept is rooted in challenging our perceptions of money and its value.
Saligman, known for her extensive public art projects around the world, including some of Philadelphia's largest murals, is fully committed to embodying the role of the Ministry's leader. "Some of the truest things are found in fiction," she said. For Saligman, Ministry of Awe represents a reality that blurs the lines between fantasy and truth.
The project has been a long time coming – first conceived in 2015. The ultimate goal is to promote local artists, leveraging tourism dollars to sustain the arts community. As the exhibit opens, visitors will have access to certain time slots with tickets available starting in January. Pop-up workshops for the public will be offered on Tuesdays and Fridays until the opening date.
Ministry of Awe promises to be an unforgettable experience that challenges our perceptions of art, value, and reality itself.
. Like, who wouldn't wanna walk into a bank and have it transform into some sort of surreal art exhibit? It's not every day you get to experience something that's like a dream or a reality mix-up, right? 
. I mean, what are our true values anyway? Is it money? Is it relationships? Or is it something more abstract?
. I think it's gonna be a wild ride when it opens up in March! 
! It sounds like an immersive, evolving masterpiece that combines art, performance, and interactivity in a way that'll really make you question the true value of things 
. I love how Meg Saligman has taken over the historic bank to create this surreal experience - it's gonna be so cool to see how people respond to it 
. And I'm loving the idea of AI-generated bank tellers and performance art - it's like stepping into a dreamlike scenario that challenges our perceptions of reality 
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! But at the same time, it's all about challenging our perceptions and blurring the lines between fantasy and truth 
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It's all about creating something new and amazing that makes us wonder and explore.
. The fact that it's an evolving work of art means that everyone's experiences will be different, which I think is so cool.
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. Either way, I think Ministry of Awe has all the makings of an unforgettable experience. Fingers crossed for a successful and thought-provoking show! 
! i'm all for it, though - who needs just some static art on walls when u can step into a dreamworld? and that's what minister of awe is all about... creating an experience that'll make u question the value of money & society. sounds like meg saligman's got some magic up her sleeve 
. i'm curious to see how it turns out - will ppl actually be more inclined to rob the vault or just appreciate the art?