Get ready to have your mind blown: the world of art is about to be turned upside down with the opening of Dataland, Los Angeles’ first-ever museum dedicated entirely to AI-generated art. But here’s where it gets controversial—is AI truly capable of creating art, or is it just a sophisticated mimicry of human creativity? This spring, media artist Refik Anadol invites you to decide for yourself as he unveils this groundbreaking space within the iconic Grand L.A. complex, designed by Frank Gehry.
Originally slated to open this year, Anadol announced a slight delay, pushing the grand opening to 2026. But don’t worry—the wait promises to be worth it. Spanning 25,000 square feet, Dataland will feature five distinct galleries, each pushing the boundaries of what art can be in the age of artificial intelligence. Among them is the highly anticipated Infinity Room, a multisensory masterpiece that blends Anadol’s signature swirling visuals with AI-generated scents, all powered by his proprietary Large Nature Model.
And this is the part most people miss—the Infinity Room isn’t just a new exhibit; it’s the evolution of Anadol’s decade-long exploration of immersive art. Inspired by his 2014 data sculpture at UCLA, this updated version goes beyond generative algorithms, diving into what Anadol calls “machine hallucinations”—surreal, dreamlike realities crafted from vast datasets. Imagine stepping into a space where information becomes a living, breathing narrative, and gravity itself seems optional. It’s not just art; it’s an experience that challenges your perception of reality.
But let’s pause for a moment—what does it mean when machines start “dreaming”? Is this the future of creativity, or are we outsourcing our imagination to algorithms? Anadol himself grapples with these questions, emphasizing the importance of “ethical AI” in his work. Unlike many AI models, he ensures all sourced material is permission-based and conducts his research on renewable energy-powered servers in Oregon. It’s a thoughtful approach in a field often criticized for its ethical gray areas.
With over 10 million people having experienced the Infinity Room on its global tour, Dataland is poised to become a cultural landmark. But as we marvel at AI’s capabilities, we must ask: Are we witnessing the birth of a new art form, or the beginning of the end for human creativity? Let us know what you think in the comments—this is a conversation that’s just getting started.
