Tyra Banks is known as a television personality, businesswoman, actress, author, model and occasional singer / PHOTO: Matthew-Jordan-Smith
Tyra Banks has announced plans for what she calls a “first-of-its-kind experiential attraction” – a fantasy version of the world of modeling created using state-of-the-art interactive entertainment, creative collaborations, curated retail, dining and special events.
Banks, who first made her name as one of the most successful models of all time, describes the plans for the new visitor attraction as her “ultimate dream”.
Called ‘Modelland’ (the same name as Banks’ 2010 New York Times Best Seller young adult novel) the concept is something Banks has been working on for more than a decade.
“Modelland will awaken your childlike glee by entertaining and educating in unexpected ways that will make learning about oneself fierce and fun. I want people to feel seen and validated,” she says.
“We’ll build a new world of storytelling and adventure in a grand, fantastical, physical place where all expressions of beauty are celebrated. Visitors will be invited to redefine what a model really is and to be dream versions of themselves.”
Set to open in late 2019, the 21,000sq ft (2,000sq m) attraction is coming to Santa Monica Place – an open-air shopping, dining and entertainment destination near the beach in Santa Monica, California. This will be the first of many Modelland attractions, which are set to open in similar destinations worldwide as part of a major expansion.
“Modelland will provide the tools for visitors to embrace, adorn and celebrate their own unique beauty,” says Banks. “It’s all about celebrating your ‘flawsome’ self. We are fun. We are fierce. We are fantasy. And, we are for real.”
Read more from this issue of Attractions Management magazine
View contents of Attractions Management 2019 issue 1
Tyra Banks is known as a television personality, businesswoman, actress, author, model and occasional singer / PHOTO: Matthew-Jordan-Smith
Tyra Banks has announced plans for what she calls a “first-of-its-kind experiential attraction” – a fantasy version of the world of modeling created using state-of-the-art interactive entertainment, creative collaborations, curated retail, dining and special events.
Banks, who first made her name as one of the most successful models of all time, describes the plans for the new visitor attraction as her “ultimate dream”.
Called ‘Modelland’ (the same name as Banks’ 2010 New York Times Best Seller young adult novel) the concept is something Banks has been working on for more than a decade.
“Modelland will awaken your childlike glee by entertaining and educating in unexpected ways that will make learning about oneself fierce and fun. I want people to feel seen and validated,” she says.
“We’ll build a new world of storytelling and adventure in a grand, fantastical, physical place where all expressions of beauty are celebrated. Visitors will be invited to redefine what a model really is and to be dream versions of themselves.”
Set to open in late 2019, the 21,000sq ft (2,000sq m) attraction is coming to Santa Monica Place – an open-air shopping, dining and entertainment destination near the beach in Santa Monica, California. This will be the first of many Modelland attractions, which are set to open in similar destinations worldwide as part of a major expansion.
“Modelland will provide the tools for visitors to embrace, adorn and celebrate their own unique beauty,” says Banks. “It’s all about celebrating your ‘flawsome’ self. We are fun. We are fierce. We are fantasy. And, we are for real.”
Read more from this issue of Attractions Management magazine
View contents of Attractions Management 2019 issue 1
OMA has completed a major transformation of New York's New Museum, creating a larger
cultural campus that combines expanded exhibition spaces with learning, performance,
hospitality and public programming.
A US$50 million (£44.2 million, €51.2 million) transformation of Chicago's historic McCormick
Mansion has created a new destination that combines live magic, immersive theatre, dining and
private membership under one roof.
The Montana Historical Society has officially celebrated the opening of its new Montana
Heritage
Center, a US$107 million (£79 million, €92 million) destination that combines immersive
storytelling with cutting-edge audiovisual technology to bring the sta
San Antonio Zoo has reported a US$283 million economic impact for 2025, following a decade-
long transformation programme that has seen almost US$200 million invested into the Texas
attraction.
Plans for the AU$180 million redevelopment of Reef HQ Aquarium in Townsville, Australia, are
progressing, with the project set to transform the attraction into a global centre for reef
education and conservation.
Abu Dhabi-based investment firm Mubadala Capital has made a binding, fully financed
€1 billion
offer to acquire Pierre and Vacances SA, the European holiday resort operator behind the
continental European Center Parcs business.
Disney has reaffirmed its commitment to investing US$30 billion in its US parks and cruise
business by 2033, using new America250 celebrations to underline the role its attractions play
in supporting jobs, tourism and economic growth.
Expo 2030 Riyadh is being planned as a permanent visitor destination, with organisers
confirming the six-million-square-metre site will become a Global Village after the event closes.
The owner of one of Australia's best-known waterparks has acquired a major competitor,
creating a new attractions business spanning two of the country's largest visitor destinations.
The Toverland theme park in the Netherlands has announced a €98m expansion programme
that will add a resort, new attractions and staff facilities as it pursues plans to become a multi-
day destination.
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