Natura Obscura: A Sensory Delight

Natura Obscura at the Museum of Outdoor Art is a walk through a magical forest enhanced by digital technology.

We got there before everyone else that Friday afternoon. We had the place to ourselves for a while. We started our journey equipped with our gear: a blacklight flashlight to illuminate our hunt and an app full of wise words from the forest spirit guides.

With the sounds of the forest and surrounded by trees, vines, water, and little woodland creatures we slowly walked through the exhibit, reading quotes dangling from trees and uncovering deep thoughts with our torches. The creatures lit up with vibrant colors and wild patterns as they came under our blacklights.

I entered rooms that surrounded me with inflatables, tested my senses with flashing lights, and immersed me in the sounds of nature from space to the ocean. I hunted wood carvings, so I could scan them with the app and commune with the forest spirits.

With the sparse crowd we were able to take out time and walk through twice. Of course, there was a line at the entrance when we left.

The exhibit has been extended through September 29. Give yourself time to go through the outdoor sculpture gardens and peruse The Time Machine and Cabinet of Curiosities.

Get your tickets ahead and save a couple of bucks. Prices are $10-15.