QUALIA in PORTLAND
QUALIA in PORTLAND
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Chambers of Awe & Laura Inserra present...
QUALIA
An Immersive Experience of Beauty, Awe, and Wonder
Stepping Into a Portal of Wonder, Connection, and Transformation
The word "QUALIA" refers to the deeply personal nature of perception—the colors we see, the emotions we feel, the meaning we assign to experience. It reminds us that reality is not something outside of us, but something we co-create within.
Whether you come to relax, reflect, dream, heal, or simply be, QUALIA meets you where you are—and carries you somewhere new.
What to expect from this one-of-a-kind journey:
The 5 Elements Unveiled: Explore Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space through breathtaking, larger-than-life projections that bring these fundamental forces to life.
Healing Soundscapes: Be enveloped by ceremonial music, a unique offering played with rare instruments from sacred traditions across the globe. Here music becomes a tool meticulously designed to awaken your senses, recharge your body, and provide healing.
Expanded Consciousness: Witness visuals that go beyond the visible, offering both the 'overview effect' of observing our planet from above, and the 'inner-view effect' of profound self-exploration and discovery.
QUALIA takes you beyond the ordinary into a state of awe and wonder. It is not a film you “watch.” It’s a sacred chamber you enter.
Let your journey begin...
GOOD TO KNOW
QUALIA is a sacred chamber you enter, not a film you just watch.
~ Plan for about 90 minutes. The film runs 48 minutes, with seating and a short introduction bringing the experience to approximately one hour. Please allow an additional 25 minutes for arrival.
~ Arrive 25 minutes early. Parking, check-in, and finding your seat take longer than you'd think. The show starts on time, and once the dome goes dark there is no late entry, for everyone's safety.
~ Ages 5 and up. QUALIA is a deep, uninterrupted journey. Children under 5 are not permitted. We ask parents and guardians to help preserve a quiet, attentive environment for everyone.
~ Your phone is your ticket. Simply present your e-ticket or QR code at check-in. No printing needed. We recommend saving a screenshot of your QR code before arriving.
~ Getting there. Oregon Museum of Science and Industry: 1945 SE Water Ave. Portland, OR 97214. More info at omsi.edu/visit-omsi
~ Tickets are sold exclusively through us. QUALIA is produced and ticketed by Chambers of Awe. All ticket-related questions should be directed to our team, not the venue.
~ All sales are final. Tickets cannot be refunded, exchanged, or transferred to another showtime. If your plans change, you're welcome to gift or donate your ticket to someone else by sharing the QR code.
What People Are Saying:
"Qualia is a journey into the play of luminosity, sound, and consciousness, exploring the very nature of the universe as awareness exploring itself. A spectacular journey, touching all of our senses simultaneously, using instruments from all over the world, and a rich tapestry of ever evolving images." - Lama Tsultrim Allione, founder of Tara Mandala
"Finally, a dome film that truly impacts one deeply and meaningfully, and fully realizes the potential of the medium. Bravo!" - Eric Hanson, Founder of Blueplanet VR
"A neuro-aesthetic experience that ignites your senses while simultaneously putting you in a deep transformational space." - Ivy Ross, Co-author of Your Brain on Art
“A mind and heart expanding experience to see the unity and radiant diversity of our existence. A sacred journey to the heart of our universe.” - Doug Abrams, Co-author of The Book of Joy
“QUALIA is inspiring new possibilities for dome filmmaking that provide medicine for the spirit and science for the mind.” - Cherilynn Morrow, Outreach Director, NASA PUNCH Mission
“The concept is creative genius with a brilliant execution. I loved the total feeling of serenity in my cells.” - Jeanne DiLeo, Physical Science Illustrator at USGS
“A magical, mystical journey, expanding and ecstatic!” - P. Mellsberg
“Qualia centers us in the awe and sanctity of the world, both spiritual and physical, to which we all belong.” - Wally Brostrom
“I felt so connected to everything, and especially myself. My whole being vibrated for hours afterwards. I didn’t want to let go of that feeling.” - L. Wiesen

ABOUT QUALIA
QUALIA is a full-dome film experience that merges immersive sound, encompassing visuals, ancient wisdom, and cutting-edge technology to awaken your senses, deepen your connection with nature, and inspire inner transformation.
More than a show, QUALIA is a journey through the 5 Elements—Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space—guided by ceremonial music and awe-inspiring visuals that stretch beyond the limits of the visible world.
At its heart, QUALIA is an offering of sound as medicine, composed and performed by sound alchemist Laura Inserra using rare instruments rooted in sacred traditions.
The visuals—blending real-world imagery, CGI, and scientific data—evoke both the overview effect of witnessing Earth from above and the inner-view effect of expanded self-awareness.
The word qualia refers to the deeply personal nature of perception—the colors we see, the emotions we feel, the meaning we assign to experience. It reminds us that reality is not something outside of us, but something we co-create within.
QUALIA invites you to a sacred space where you become the creator of your own journey, perceiving reality through the lens of your own inner eyes.
Whether you come to relax, reflect, dream, heal, or simply be, QUALIA meets you where you are—and carries you somewhere new.Step beyond the ordinary into a state of awe and wonder.
This is your QUALIA. Enjoy your journey.
FAQ
~ DISCOVER THE EXPERIENCE
1. What should I expect?
A journey through the 5 Elements: Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Space. Most people leave feeling nurtured, deeply rested, more alive, and whole. Come curious and let the experience guide you.
2. What is a full-dome experience?
The planetarium dome surrounds you: immersive audio and visuals across the entire ceiling. If the visuals ever feel like too much, closing your eyes and letting the music lead is a perfectly good way to travel.
3. How long is it, and when should I arrive?
The film runs 48 minutes; plan on about an hour with seating and introduction. Please arrive 25 minutes early. The show starts on time, and once the dome goes dark there is no late entry, for everyone's safety.
4. Sensitive to motion?
Let your eyes rest if needed. QUALIA is a slow, meditative experience rather than a fast-moving simulation, so most people find it very comfortable. If you tend to be sensitive to motion, simply close your eyes for a few moments and let your ears guide you.
~ TICKETS & BOOKING
5. What is the age policy?
Guests ages 5 and older are welcome. QUALIA is a deep, uninterrupted journey, and we protect that intimacy for everyone in the dome.
6. Is seating assigned?
Most seating is first come, first served. Reserved Seat tickets include early entry and the best views, though every seat in the dome offers its own perspective. Reserved Seats are not guaranteed for late arrivals.
7. Who qualifies for the discounted ticket?
The Students, Seniors, Veterans ticket is for currently enrolled students, guests 60 and over, and U.S. veterans. Please bring a valid ID; it is checked at the door. Seating is first come, first served.
~ PLAN YOUR VISIT
8. Where is it?
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry: 1945 SE Water Ave. Portland, OR 97214. More info at omsi.edu/visit-omsi
9. What about parking?
Visitors can pay for parking through the Parking Kitty app or at the parking kiosks in the North and South parking lots. OMSI parking costs $5 (+ fees) for 2 hours or $8 (+ fees) for all day parking. Guests arriving at 5pm or later can expect to pay a flat fee of $2 (+ fees) for the evening. Please email parking@omsi.edu with any additional questions.
10. Is the venue accessible?
OMSI is committed to ensuring that its spaces and experiences are welcoming, accessible, and usable to all visitors, regardless of ability. This commitment includes continually evaluating and updating our policies and practices to eliminate physical, sensory, structural, and institutional barriers to full participation. More info at omsi.edu/access/inclusive/
11. Is there Wi-Fi or cell service?
Yes, OMSI offers WiFi access. Service can be inconsistent. We recommend saving a screenshot of your ticket’s QR code before arriving. Please silence your phone during the show.
12. How do I check in?
Show your e-ticket or QR code on your phone. If someone bought your ticket, bring their QR code or name. No printing needed.
13. Can I leave during the show?
You're welcome to step out quietly if you need to. Re-entry may not be possible, so we can preserve the immersion for everyone inside.
~ INSIDE THE DOME
14. Food, drinks, phones, photos?
No food or drink in the theater; water fountains are available at the venue. Please silence your phone, and we ask that you refrain from photos or video during the show. This is your time to be fully present.
15. Can I get a refund or change my date?
We're not able to refund tickets or move them to another date or time, so please choose your showtime with care. If plans change, your ticket can go to a friend: just pass along the QR code.

ABOUT THE CREATOR
Laura Inserra is a sound alchemist and technician of the sacred, founder of Chambers of Awe, creating music-driven immersive works designed as sanctuaries for modern audiences: spaces that soothe, regulate, and awaken awe.
Born and raised on volcanic Sicily, she has explored the invisible world of sound since childhood. A world-renowned Hang musician, she plays hundreds of rare instruments rooted in sacred traditions, including Tibetan singing bowls and Zapotec clay flutes, choosing each for its capacity to move something deep within the listener.
Her work is featured in the New York Times bestseller Your Brain on Art by Ivy Ross and Susan Magsamen, and her music was selected by Johns Hopkins University for research on music as medicine for mental, physical, and emotional health.
Her practice, MetaMusic Healing, weaves sound healing, ancient practices, and modern psychology, bringing music out of entertainment and into medicine. QUALIA, now playing to repeated sold-out audiences across the country, is the fullest expression of her life's work: a space where sound, science, and the natural world converge to help you remember who you are. More info at laurainserra.com
Location
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, 1945 SE Water Ave. Portland, OR 97214