This summer, downtown Orlando welcomes Ethereal Bloom, an interactive public art installation by artist Aaron Reed that transforms the 7-Eleven storefront at 55W into a vibrant, responsive work of art. On display now through August 31, 2026, Ethereal Bloom invites residents and visitors to experience a unique blend of art, light, and technology in the City District.
At first glance, the installation appears as a striking illuminated sculpture filling a storefront window. Made of layered planes with organic cutout patterns, the artwork uses light and depth to create the illusion of movement within a flat surface. But what makes Ethereal Bloom truly special is its ability to respond to people passing by.
A compact sensor system detects nearby pedestrians and triggers subtle shifts in color and brightness. As visitors move closer, the artwork evolves, creating a dynamic interaction between the piece and its audience. The result is an ever-changing experience that encourages people to slow down, engage and see downtown in a new way.
Artist Aaron Reed designed Ethereal Bloom to be both visually captivating from a distance and rewarding up close. His approach encourages curiosity and interaction, transforming an ordinary walk through downtown into a memorable moment of discovery.
The installation is part of ongoing efforts to bring accessible public art experiences to downtown Orlando and activate public spaces in creative ways. By transforming a storefront into an interactive destination, Ethereal Bloom adds energy to the streetscape while inviting people to explore downtown’s growing arts and culture scene.
Presented through a partnership between the City of Orlando’s Downtown Development Board and United Arts, the installation highlights the important role public art plays in creating vibrant, engaging urban spaces. It also supports the shared goal of making arts and culture accessible to everyone who lives, works and visits downtown.
Ethereal Bloom will be on display in downtown Orlando now through August 31, 2026 at the 7-Eleven storefront. Be sure to add it to your summer downtown itinerary and experience this innovative public art installation for yourself.