In 1914, Sir Ernest Shackleton embarked on one of the most ambitious expeditions of the heroic age of Antarctic exploration: to cross Antarctica from coast to coast.
More than a century later, environmental scientist Tim Jarvis AM and leading Adelaide studio Monkeystack retraced Shackleton’s epic journey creating the award-winning Thin Ice VR, now reimagined now as a shared immersive experience especially for our Studio.
Surrounded by our 110m² of LED screens, journey together across the vast Antarctic landscape and experience Shackleton’s remarkable story of survival and endurance as it unfolds around you.
But this is also a story of Antarctica today. Following in Shackleton’s footsteps reveals a landscape transformed by the effects of human-induced climate change, bringing the past and present into powerful contrast.
Breathtaking, moving and thought-provoking, Thin Ice invites you to experience one of history’s great stories of exploration while confronting the profound changes taking place in one of Earth’s most extraordinary environments.
Presented by Monkeystack and Immersive Light and Art as part of the Adelaide Festival Centre’s DreamBig Festival 2027
DATES, TIMES & TICKETS
5 – 29 May 2027
Sessions | 45 minutes
Public Sessions
Wed – Sat
Public opening times and tickets will be announced in early 2027.
Schools Sessions
Wed – Fri
10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm
Schools tickets | $8
School bookings now available via the DreamBig website here.
ACCESS INFORMATION
Our venue is wheelchair accessible.
The ILA Gallery and Studio is located on level 1 of Immersive Light and Art | ILA. There is level access via a lift to the first floor and a unisex accessible toilet is available on level 1 to ensure a comfortable experience for all guests. If you would like further support for your visit or have any questions, please contact the ILA team here.
Our venue accessibility guide is available here.
SCHOOL GROUPS
Take your students on an unforgettable journey across Antarctica with Thin Ice. Combining history, science, climate and immersive storytelling, this shared experience offers an engaging opportunity to bring classroom learning to life.
Age suitability | 8 – 17 years
Year levels | Year 3 – Year 12
To plan a visit for your school group, please visit the Dream Big website here.
EAT AND DRINK
Visit our light-filled ILA Bar on level 1 for a refreshment alongside this experience.
GETTING HERE
Immersive Light and Art | ILA is located in the heart of Adelaide’s West End at 63 Light Square, Adelaide. The ILA Gallery and Studio can be found upstairs on level 1, accessible by stairs or lift.
A combination of free and ticketed (until 6pm) street parking is available directly outside the venue on Light Square, with additional parking available nearby on Waymouth Street and Elizabeth Street, both just a short walk away. For added convenience, K Park Car Parks on Currie Street is also located close to this venue.
ILA is also easily accessible via public transport, with bus, tram and train options within walking distance. We are a short walk from the North Terrace and King William Road tram stops, Adelaide Railway Station and have multiple bus routes operating along nearby Currie Street.
CONNECT WITH US!
#ThinIce
Instagram: @immersivelightandart | @monkeystackau | @ThinIceVR | @dreambigfamilies
Facebook: @immersivelightandart | @monkeystack | @thinicevr | @dreambigchildrensfestival
EXHIBITION CREDITS
Presented by Monkeystack and Immersive Light and Art | ILA
Executive Producer & Presenter
Tim Jarvis AM
Director & Writer
James Calvert
Producer & Executive Producer
Justin Wight
Executive Producer
Rhys Sandery
Executive Producer
Troy Bellchambers
360 Videographer & Photogrammerty
Doug Gimesy
Thin Ice VR – A Monkeystack and Shakleton Epic Expedition Production
Major Partner
Torrens University
Financed and developed with the assistance of
South Australian Film Corporation, Screen Australia and Adelaide Film Festival Investment Fund
Supported by
Kathmandu and Documentary Australia
Part of DreamBig Children’s Festival 2027
DreamBIG Children’s Festival is South Australia’s iconic biennial arts festival for schools and families that places its audience at the centre of fresh, inventive, imaginative and inspiring arts experiences.
THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE SPONSORS
