Tyra Banks’ modeling theme park will open May 1, the supermodel announced Wednesday.
Banks said she aims to “bring modeling to the masses” with ModelLand, a 21,000-square-foot theme park in Santa Monica Place that will offer interactive beauty experiences such as photoshoots and style consultations.
On ModelLand’s website, Banks described the theme park as a “first-of-its-kind experiential attraction that will emulate a fantasy version of the modeling world with state-of-the-art interactive entertainment where beauty, fashion, tech, theater, retail and an eating extravaganza collide.”
Banks said she wants to “redefine what a model and modeling means” and help visitors feel more confident in their inner and outer beauty.
“At ModelLand, yes, you’ll learn how to take amazing photos … but we will go deeper than that,” she said on the theme park’s website. “It is my hope that ModelLand will elevate your “selfie-esteem.” Not just how you look in the mirror but how you FEEL about yourself when you look in that mirror.”
General access tickets, which cost $39 for children and $59 for adults, include a personalized digital lookbook, an immersive theater show, clothes shopping and photography “moments” with custom lighting and posing tips.
For $549, visitors can purchase the “Fantascene Photoshoot,” a photoshoot with makeup, hair and wardrobe styling, food and drinks and access to limited edition products.
Visitors can also opt for the $1,495 “Fantascene Dream,” which offers an upgraded photoshoot, food and drinks, a consultation with a fashion and beauty expert and luxury swag.
Banks, who previously hosted the reality show America’s Next Top Model, said was inspired by Disneyland and has been working on the ModelLand concept for a decade.
“I’m inspired by Walt Disney,” she said. “He created a legacy brand and destination that exists beyond his time on earth and continues to delight people of all ages through fantasy and story.”
The two-story space at Santa Monica Place that ModelLand will occupy was vacated by pop-up museum Candytopia in early 2018 and has been under construction for the past year. When the theme park was first announced last February, Banks said she intended it to be the first location of a global enterprise.
A sign posted on the building indicates that ModelLand is applying to sell alcoholic drinks.
madeleine@smdp.com
