The National Building Museum’s beach in Washington, D.C., opened this month, but instead of sand and waves, visitors should prepare themselves to dive into a giant ball pit.
According to Inquistr, 750,000 white, transparent balls form a three-foot-deep "ocean" in the 10,000-square-foot great hall exhibit called “BEACH.” Equipped with lounge chairs, umbrellas, mock sand, a pier, and snack bar, the space is for children and adults to enjoy.
Headlines and Global News reported the idea emanated from the need for a classic American summertime activity in the capital city. Snarkitecture, an architecture firm, designed the exhibit intending for a simple indoor version of an ordinary beach experience.
In completely white surroundings, beachgoers are encouraged to use their imagination in the space and make it what they wish.
“In this case, it’s removing the color, and it’s also increasing the scale,”
Snarkitecture co-founder Mustonen told The Washington Post. “All these manipulations or alterations are designed to sort of change your perception and understanding of the environment.”
There are some bonuses to an indoor beach, as
D.C. beachgoer Melanie Bielski told USA Today, “There’s no sunscreen . . . and it’s not humid.”
Cautious parents and germophobes do not fear, for the balls are also made with an anti-microbial substance, and the exhibit is treated with cleaning solution on a daily basis, according to The Post.
Those interested in going should beware, however; while large things like people are able to stay afloat in the balls, smaller items like cell phones, wallets, and keys may easily sink to the bottom.
“The museum anticipates a robust lost and found — and a windfall in loose change. We’ll make a few bucks that way,” marketing and communications manager Emma Filar said, according to Inquistr.
Since its opening July 4, 13,000 visitors have already splashed around in the ball pit, USA Today reported.
“We went all the way to the end and came back,” Springfield, Virginia, resident Alex Oqueno told USA Today. “It was really hard actually, a lot harder than we expected.”
The museum aims to illustrate the impact of architecture in America and frequently installs unique exhibits. Its great hall has featured a miniature golf course and a giant maze in the past.
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