The Undiscovered Island

Step Into an Extraordinary Upside-Down World

Designed especially for children, this immersive installation offers a creative and hands-on exploration of the ecological challenges facing both warm and cold-water coral reefs.

Immerse yourself in a sensory-rich experience where the ordinary is turned on its head. In this beautifully crafted installation, a mysterious coral island floats above the water, inviting you to explore inside and around a 4-meter dome, you’ll discover uniquely fashioned corals—some glowing with light, others whispering timeless stories through hidden story coral pods. Step across interactive stones to "compost" a tune, uncover the magic of giant illuminated corals, and unwind in a tranquil coral garden, where a soothing soundscape washes over you like an ocean’s lullaby.

"My little one doesn't always focus well and this really kept his attention. He is only 4 and was able to fully participate. As an adult I loved it! Thank you."

Parent review

Listen to the Voices of the Reef

Take a seat and let the corals tell their tales! These enchanted story chairs bring the reef’s history to life through the voices of its inhabitants.
Sit on one chair, and you'll hear the wise, weathered words of a grumpy old coral, sharing its long life story and the challenges it has faced over time. On the other, a younger coral and its three playful baby corals are eager to chat—but you’ll have to tickle them to hear their stories!

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The Coral Sculptures

Towering 3D-printed coral sculptures rise before you, each offering a unique interactive experience. One coral glows to life as you approach, responding to your presence with an enchanting display of light. The other invites you to become part of the artwork—by stepping on three sensory foot pads, you can mix and change the coral’s colors, creating a mesmerising, ever-shifting spectrum of light and movement.

Step Into a World of Ocean Wonders

Inside the coral cave a world of vibrant coral magic unfolds around you. In contrast to the white outside space here you are completely immersed—colourful corals stretch across the ceiling and floor, creating a dazzling underwater illusion.

Speak to the corals and watch as some light up in response, bringing the reef to life. Use glowing coral lights to draw stories on the cave walls, or simply sit, read, and relax while soothing soundscapes transport you to an enchanting aquatic realm.

Engagement Activities: Imaginary Islands & Creative Exploration

This learning resource is designed to nurture and stimulate children’s imaginative thinking and exploration by engaging them in hands-on creative activities. Through inventing, building, drawing, and storytelling, children will bring their very own imaginary island to life while deepening their connection to the natural world

This resource also includes cross-curricular links with the Key Stages 1 & 2 syllabus, integrating art & design, design & technology, science, and literacy to support a well-rounded learning experience..

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Discover More: The Coral Exhibition

Alongside the installation, a small exhibition invites visitors to dive deeper into the fascinating world of corals. Here, you can explore what gives corals their brilliant colors and uncover the remarkable ways scientists and communities are working to protect these vital ecosystems.

Through engaging displays and interactive elements, this exhibition highlights real-world innovations and conservation efforts, inspiring visitors to think about how we can all play a part in preserving the beauty and biodiversity of our oceans.

Available for Touring

The Story so Far

Lakeside Arts, Nottingham, UK- 17th Aug -5th Sept 2021
Attenborough Arts Centre, Leicester, The Spark Arts Festival- 2022
Lakeside Arts, Nottingham, UK- British Science Week, March 2022
Theatre Hullabaloo, Darlington, 19 September 2022 to 11 March 2023
Mansfield Museum, Mansfield, 4th April to 14th April 2023

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