Please note that access to the installation is restricted to 13+

Following the success of its Virtual Reality Garden’s inaugural exhibition, the Phi Centre is proud to announce its new Garden’s programming: a series of works created by The New York Times Magazine and Within and presented by Phi. Open to the public as of April 18, this new programming consists of four works exploring topics ranging from cinema performers to street art installations.

“We're thrilled to collaborate with the Phi Centre in Montreal to bring NYT VR to this new audience in such an innovative way," said Sam Dolnick, associate editor, The New York Times. "The Phi Centre's Virtual Reality Garden is a perfect venue to experience some of the rich, immersive storytelling that NYT VR has to offer.”

This is the first time the NYT VR works are presented in an art installation format. This prestigious curatorial collaboration enhances the Phi Centre’s role as a leading venue for virtual reality experiences.

Presented by Bell, in collaboration with Metro Montréal

Synopsis of works

Smile More: The Journey Of A Song, directed by Lance Bangs

Follow the journey of a new song by Syd and The Internet, from rehearsal studio to concert stage in this new experience created by Lance Bangs for The New York Times.

Take Flight, directed by Daniel Askill

The New York Times celebrates this year’s best actors for their annual Great Performers issue with the virtual reality experience Take Flight. Inspired by some of the most iconic airborne moments in cinematic history, the experience offers a spellbinding virtual reality feast with powerful performances from Melissa McCarthy, Michael Fassbender, Lily Tomlin, Kristen Wiig, Jacob Tremblay, Jason Mitchell, Rooney Mara, Mya Taylor, Benicio del Toro & Charlize Theron.

The Displaced, directed by Imraan Ismail and Ben C. Solomon

Nearly 60 million people around the world have been driven from their homes by war and persecution – more than any other time since World War II. Half are children. The Displaced is the story of three of those children.

Walking New York, directed by JR, Chris Milk and Zach Richter

Vrse and The New York Times come together to capture the birth of a new large-scale street art installation in New York. Renowned French artist JR, famous for posting massive photographs in urban environments, attempts to create a poetic awareness of New York’s storied history as a city of immigrants. The experience takes viewers through the making of the cover, a photograph of the 150-foot-tall portrait of a recent immigrant to NYC that was wheat pasted across the Flatiron Pedestrian Plaza.

The Virtual Reality Garden

Unique to Montreal, the Phi Centre’s Virtual Reality Garden is a permanent installation that showcases the most innovative virtual reality pieces of our time. The Phi Centre team curates the eclectic and diverse programming, and refreshes the works throughout the year. The Garden is equipped with four Oculus Rift stations that deliver an optimal user experience. Access to the Garden is free at all times so that Montrealers—and visitors—can take full advantage of this unique space.

The New York Times Company

The New York Times Company is a global media organization dedicated to enhancing society by creating, collecting and distributing high-quality news and information. The Company includes The New York Times, International New York Times, NYTimes.com, international.nytimes.com and related properties. It is known globally for excellence in its journalism, and innovation in its print and digital storytelling and its business model.

Vrse.works

Vrse.works is a specialized and focused production studio that supports the world’s leading creative innovators in Virtual Reality spherical filmmaking. The vrse.works collective utilizes custom built tools and proprietary technology to craft and curate original immersive experiences.

Vrse.works creative team and production talent are industry leaders in short-form commercials, music videos, feature film, theatre, design, photography and fine arts with a proven track record in creating stories that inspire and truly resonate, collectively earning them numerous Emmys, Cannes Lions, Grand Prixes, Palm d’Ors, AICP, D&AD, One Show, ADC, Tony, Webby Awards and a Grammy.