The Museum of the Moving Image is giving New Yorkers a hands-on opportunity to explore the technologies shaping the future with the launch of MoMI LAB, an innovative public space dedicated to emerging technology, creativity and digital literacy.
Opening June 13 inside the Astoria museum, MoMI LAB is being described as a “people’s lab” where visitors can experiment with artificial intelligence, robotics, virtual reality, spatial computing and digital production tools while learning how these rapidly evolving technologies are influencing everyday life.
Unlike traditional museum exhibits, the 2,400-square-foot space encourages participation rather than observation. Visitors of all ages and experience levels can explore interactive stations, attend workshops, watch demonstrations and collaborate with artists working on cutting-edge projects.
The initiative also marks the launch of the Museum of the Moving Image’s first-ever artist residency program, placing working artists at the center of the public experience. New York-based multimedia artist Rachel Rossin will serve as the inaugural artist-in-residence, creating immersive works that examine the relationship between physical and virtual space while inviting visitors into her creative process.
Museum leaders say the goal is to make advanced technologies accessible to everyone, particularly communities that may not otherwise have opportunities to experiment with them.
“These technologies belong to everyone,” said Executive Director Aziz Isham. “If you’re not getting them at home or at school, there should be a place where you can experience them, learn from them and understand their impact.”
Visitors will be able to create their own 3D postcards using lenticular printing, explore how robots navigate physical environments, experiment with projection mapping, observe 3D printing in action and discover how artificial intelligence transforms written prompts into text, images and video. Other stations demonstrate emerging technologies such as NeRF imaging, virtual reality environments and machine learning systems.
The new facility was made possible through more than $5 million in New York State funding, with additional classroom support provided by the Amazin’ Mets Foundation.
Ahead of the official opening, the museum will present a public event series titled Get Off the Internet, exploring how digital technologies influence attention, perception and behavior. The program includes Escape the Internet, an interactive live game developed by immersive creator Lucas Rizzotto.
As technology becomes increasingly embedded in everyday life, MoMI LAB aims to help visitors move beyond simply consuming digital tools to understanding how they work and how they shape society.
Located in one of the nation’s most diverse communities, the Museum of the Moving Image hopes the new lab will become a welcoming space where curiosity, creativity and critical thinking come together—making the future of technology something everyone can help explore and shape.