Los Angeles opens Dataland, the first AI museum with emotion‑responsive art

Dataland, billed as the world’s first museum of artificial intelligence, opened on 20 June in a Frank Gehry‑designed complex in downtown Los Angeles. The project was created by Refik Anadol Studio, founded by visual artist Refik Anadol and Efsun Erkilic.

The inaugural exhibition, “Machine Dreams: Rainforest,” immerses visitors in a digitally generated Amazon‑rainforest environment. Guests receive a portable aroma diffuser and a medical‑grade biosensor bracelet that record physiological reactions. The data are interpreted by the museum’s Large Nature Model—trained on 500 million ethically sourced images—to modify visuals, soundscapes and scents in real time. Anadol explains, “Everything feels futuristic, but it uses present‑day technology,” and adds, “People ask: is it using my emotions? Yes, it is.”

Interactive stations let attendees paint on transparent touchscreens with a “thinking brush,” creating unique artworks that the AI renders instantly. The experience culminates in a personalized, one‑of‑a‑kind piece generated from each visitor’s emotional data. Anadol emphasizes the broader point: “AI is a powerful tool. We must be careful, but with it we can create inspiring new forms of art.”