Artist Luke Jerram is unveiling a major new immersive artwork at Barking Riverside this September. Pollenarium premieres at Emerge East on Saturday 12 September 2026 and is free to visit for one day only.
1. It is a giant pollen grain you can step inside
Pollenarium transforms a microscopic grain of pollen into a six-metre immersive dome, giving visitors a very different view of the surrounding landscape.
2. You’ll see the world a little like a bee
Inside are more than 100 glass lenses, each acting as a camera obscura. Together they create an upside-down mosaic of the world outside, inspired by the compound eyes of insects.
3. It comes from the artist behind Gaia and Museum of the Moon
Luke Jerram is known internationally for large-scale works exploring the Earth, Moon and Sun. This time he turns his attention to insects, pollen and the natural world.
4. There’s much more happening at Emerge East
The free festival will also feature DJ AG, live performers, street food, creative workshops and family activities, as well as a Pollinators Parade featuring work created by more than 1,000 local children and families.
5. It is free for one day only
Pollenarium can be visited from 11am at Emerge East on Saturday 12 September, with activities exploring pollinators, biodiversity and the natural environment taking place alongside it.
When: Saturday 12 September 2026, 11am–9pm
Where: Project Road, Barking Riverside, London IG11 0YP
Find out more: Emerge East
Watch Luke Jerram talk about Pollenarium:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aea1Bce7zuE