Immersive ocean experience set to make a splash at Grand Arcade

This summer, Grand Arcade in Cambridge is partnering with the University Museum of Zoology to deliver an immersive, ocean-themed art exhibition for visitors. ‘Grand Depths’, which will run from 18th July to 31st August, will see the shopping centre transformed into an underwater experience for visitors, utilising recycled paper materials to create handcrafted aerial and ground level sculptures of marine wildlife and aquatic ecosystems.

The exhibition reflects Grand Arcade’s ongoing commitment to curating memorable visitor experiences that prioritise environmental responsibility and interactive learning opportunities for shoppers. Partnering with the University Museum of Zoology, which Grand Arcade collaborated with back in 2024 to create ‘Grand Safari’, the exhibition will also offer free educational activities for children and families to promote marine conservation, alongside talks from renowned zoologists at the University of Cambridge, redefining the exhibition experience through interactive, educational storytelling.

Grand Depths is prioritising sustainable practices and bespoke artistry throughout the exhibition. All paper sourced for Grand Depths is FSC-certified, meaning that it has been procured from ethical and responsibly managed forests. To create the installations, six artists have devoted over 800 hours of craftmanship to the project, using techniques such as paper and cut, origami, and low poly to mirror the movement of ocean wildlife and to draw attention to the fragility of our marine ecosystems.

Areas of the exhibition include the central piece, Ocean in Motion, which will consist of 500 handmade origami fish made of 100% recycled paper to transform the atrium of Grand Arcade into an underwater experience, along with coral reefs, suspended jelly fish, sea horses, a large-scale octopus, and a shark.

Julie Kervadec, Marketing Manager at Grand Arcade said: “At Grand Arcade, we are committed to creating innovative visitor experiences that continue to redefine what is possible in the retail sector. We are delighted to be curating this installation with our returning partners at the University Museum of Zoology to take visitors on an inspirational learning journey throughout the shopping centre and over to the Museum just a stone’s throw away.

Grand Depths not only celebrates the beauty and importance of our oceans while highlighting the urgent need to protect them but also reflects our dedication to sustainability at every stage of the exhibition process. From the materials selected to the practices employed throughout its development, we want to demonstrate that world-class retail and experiential marketing can be both environmentally responsible and commercially impactful. We are beyond excited to launch our latest exhibition on the 18^th of July.”

Professor Mark Brown, Director of the University Museum of Zoology said: “Now more than ever, it is vital that we protect the health of our oceans and the incredible biodiversity they support. Retail has an important role to play in driving environmental awareness and demonstrating how sustainability can be embedded into everyday experiences. Through this captivating exhibition, we hope to inspire visitors to connect with the natural world, understand the importance of marine conservation, and recognise that collective action is essential to preserving these extraordinary environments for future generations.”

To find out more about Grand Depths, visit: https://www.grandarcade.co.uk/events/grand-depths/