Universal Studios Hollywood Celebrates 50th Anniversary With Ride Debuts!

The spotlight shines brightly on Universal Studios Hollywood as the world-class destination celebrates a milestone 50^th anniversary with the much-anticipated opening of the “Fast & Furious—Supercharged” thrill ride, “Springfield,” an-all new immersive experience surrounding “The Simpsons Ride,” and a “Nighttime Studio Tour” as part of the theme park’s pioneering epic transformation.

This monumental undertaking—the most ambitious in the theme park’s storied 50-year history—will radically alter and reimagine its familiar footprint as The Entertainment Capital of L.A. sets its sights on the next 50 years.

From its humble beginnings five decades ago, Universal Studios Hollywood has emerged as one of the most progressive and exciting theme park experiences anywhere, while remaining true to its roots of immersing guests in the awe-inspiring world of movie-making magic.

Since its inception, Universal Studios has lifted the veil on Hollywood’s most illustrious industry, placing guests at the heart of favorite movies and television shows. It continues to be at the forefront of innovation, imagination and inspiration, working in collaboration with some of the most influential filmmakers in the business and the greatest minds in entertainment—Steven Spielberg, Matt Groening, James L. Brooks, Peter Jackson, Michael Bay and Chris Meledandri—to create intriguing rides and attractions.

“For 50 years, Universal Studios Hollywood has given guests unprecedented access to the world’s most alluring business by inviting them to peek behind the velvet curtain and become part of the exciting movie-making process,” said Larry Kurzweil, President of Universal Studios Hollywood. “We are reimagining over 75 percent of our destination as we build upon our incredible success and expand our vision for the future, and we look forward to entertaining and inspiring guests for generations to come with what will ultimately be an entirely new theme park experience.”

The “Glamour Trams” of yesteryear that gave way to today’s world-famous Studio Tour is undergoing a top to bottom makeover to coincide with the 50^th anniversary, and by 2016, will roll out a fleet of new, contemporary trams, including the installation of ultra-comfy cushioned seats.  A modern exterior and sleek logo design will contribute to the updated aesthetics of these iconic trams, while a new Art Deco-themed Studio Tour entry portal, located within the theme park, will greet guests.

Offered in multiple languages, including Mandarin, Japanese, Spanish and English and led by expert guides, the acclaimed Studio Tour remains a hallmark Universal Studios Hollywood attraction bringing millions of guests through an authentic movie and television studio and into its elusive world motivated by three compelling words:  lights, camera, action.

The action, however, is only getting started.

This summer, high-octane excitement will race onto the scene when Universal Studios Hollywood introduces “Fast & Furious—Supercharged,” a pulse-pounding, adrenaline-fueled thrill ride as the new grand finale to the world-famous Studio Tour.

This gripping, technologically-advanced ride, inspired by Universal Pictures’ most successful film franchise of all time and featuring the film’s original cast members, will propel guests into the high-stakes underground world of fast cars and daring escapades traveling at accelerated speeds of up to 120 miles per hour. Situated within a newly constructed 65,000 square foot building on the legendary backlot, the high speed, 3D-HD ride will reunite stars from the Fast & Furious series—Vin Diesel (Dominic “Dom” Toretto), Dwayne Johnson (Luke Hobbs), Michelle Rodriguez (Letty Ortiz), Tyrese Gibson (Roman Pearce) and Luke Evans (Owen Shaw)—in a revolutionary mega-attraction, conceived as a new installment to the dynamic film series that can only be experienced at The Entertainment Capital of L.A.

The layout of the park will become unrecognizable when “Springfield,” hometown of America’s favorite family, The Simpsons, breathes new life to the sprawling and vibrant space surrounding “The Simpsons Ride.”  “Springfield” is designed to capture the spirit of the animated town and engage visitors and fans of the show in the intensely absorbing and colorful world made famous throughout the series’ record-setting 26 seasons.

Guests visiting “Springfield” will have the pleasant sensation of being hurled through their television sets and into the accurately depicted town, complete with signature eateries such as Krusty Burger, Cletus’ Chicken Shack, Luigi’s Pizza and Phineas Q. Butterfat’s Ice Cream Parlor, along with Homer’s favorite hangouts, Lard Lad Donuts, Moe’s Tavern and Duff Brewery.

Universal’s slate of new 2015 attractions will entertain from sunup to sundown when the theme park broadens the scope of its popular Studio Tour with the introduction of a “Nighttime Studio Tour,” designed to enlighten guests on the art of moonlight movie-making.

Under a blanket of stars, over 20 locations along the famed Studio Tour route will showcase an array of luminous onset lighting and special effects used in nighttime production. Theatrical lighting will cast a glow on iconic backlot sets as Studio Tour guides shed light on Hollywood secrets and tricks of the world’s most glamorous trade, including how filmmakers create the effect of daylight amid the black of night.  Celebrated stars who found fame on Universal’s backlot will also make cameo appearances on the “Nighttime Studio Tour,” including Marilyn Monroe, Norman Bates and Frankenstein.  The “Nighttime Studio Tour” will run every weekend throughout the summer from July 4^th through Labor Day.

The excitement that these new rides, attractions and themed immersive lands will bring to guests is only a prelude to the highly-anticipated arrival of “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” in 2016.

In the spirit of the popular social media trend, Throwback Thursdays (#TBT), Universal Studios Hollywood’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram will pay tribute to its legacy with a collection of nostalgic photos. Join the conversation and share Universal Studios Hollywood memories using #UniStudios50th and @UniStudios.

Universal Studios Hollywood, The Entertainment Capital of L.A.^SM, includes a full-day, movie-based theme park and Studio Tour; the CityWalk entertainment, shopping and dining complex, the Universal CityWalk Cinemas and the “5 Towers” state-of-the-art outdoor concert venue.  World-class rides and attractions include the incredibly popular 3D Ultra-HD adventure, “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and immersive “Super Silly Fun Land,” the critically-acclaimed mega-attraction, “Transformers™:  The Ride-3D,” the intense, award-winning ride, “King Kong 360 3-D” on the behind-the-scenes Studio Tour, “Revenge of the Mummy^SM—The Ride” and “Jurassic Park® —The Ride.” As part of its milestone 50^th anniversary celebration in 2015, Universal Studios Hollywood will debut a slate of dynamic new attractions, including the electrifying 3D-HD thrill ride, “Fast & Furious—Supercharged” as the grand finale to the famed Studio Tour, “Springfield,” hometown of America’s favorite TV family, adjacent to the award-winning “The Simpsons Ride^TM” and the “Nighttime Studio Tour,” offering evening tours of the iconic movie backlot.

Celebrate The Lunar New Year With Universal Studios Hollywood!

Universal City, CA, February 4, 2015 —Universal Studios Hollywood^SM continues its annual Lunar New Year tradition with a celebratory “Year of the Ram” event featuring a special Mandarin-speaking MEGATRON character from its blockbuster thrill ride, “Transformers™:  The Ride-3D,” taking place from Friday, February 13 through Saturday, February 28, 2015.

The celebration comes to life within Universal Plaza – a new Art Deco-inspired grand courtyard situated at the heart of the theme park – where guests will be ushered in to celebrate the “Year of the Ram” under a curtain of customary red Chinese lanterns and a stunning all-new Plum Blossom Arch. The polygon-shaped piazza will also display a dozen lampposts each featuring the twelve zodiac animal signs along with three symbolic attributes.

A highlight of the Lunar New Year program will be the Mandarin-speaking MEGATRON, who will engage guests in conversation that is characteristic of his DECEPTICON TRANSFORMER’s persona.  MEGATRON – an ominous 12-foot-tall figure – is one of the stars of Universal Studios Hollywood’s award-winning thrill ride, “Transformers: The Ride-3D” which immerses guests in the 3D-HD action-packed robotic world of the TRANSFORMERS.  In-park signage will notate times for the daily MEGATRON meet and greet.

Favorite Universal characters, including Curious George and Woody and Winnie Woodpecker, will join the celebration dressed in traditional Chinese attire to meet guests and take memorable photos in front of a customary Chinese gong.  Asian-inspired treats along with traditional music, resonating throughout the Plaza, will help in commemorating the festive Lunar New Year.

Year-round, Universal Studios Hollywood’s signature Studio Tour offers guests a revealing look at an authentic movie and television studio in select languages, including Mandarin.  Expertly-trained Mandarin-speaking guides provide insight on the world of movie-making magic as guests enjoy a front row seat and behind-the-scenes access to one of the largest film studios in the world.  The theme park also features Mandarin-speaking associates within select theme park’s retail stores and provides in-language park maps.

Lunar New Year is included in the price of admission to Universal Studios Hollywood.

Share your zodiac animal signs with Universal Studios Hollywood on Instagram and Twitter at @UniStudios and “Like” the Universal Studios Hollywood Facebook page.

Universal Studios Hollywood, The Entertainment Capital of L.A. ^SM, includes a full-day, movie-based theme park and Studio Tour; the CityWalk  entertainment, shopping and dining complex, the Universal CityWalk Cinemas and the “5 Towers” state-of-the-art outdoor concert venue.  World-class rides and attractions include the incredibly popular 3D Ultra-HD adventure, “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and immersive “Super Silly Fun Land,” the critically-acclaimed mega-attraction, “Transformers™:  The Ride-3D,” the intense, award-winning ride, “King Kong 360 3-D” on the behind-the-scenes Studio Tour, “Revenge of the Mummy^SM—The Ride” and “Jurassic Park® —The Ride.” As part of its milestone 50th anniversary celebration in 2015, Universal Studios Hollywood will debut a slate of dynamic new attractions including the electrifying 3D-HD thrill ride, “Fast & Furious—Supercharged” as the grand finale to the famed Studio Tour, “Springfield,” hometown of America’s favorite TV family, adjacent to the award-winning “The Simpsons Ride™” and the “Nighttime Studio Tour,” offering evening tours of the iconic movie backlot.

VIDEO: ‘Fast & Furious – Supercharged’ Commercial Has Sped To The Super Bowl! Check It Out!

The “Fast & Furious – Supercharged” ride has finally sped your way in an amazing Super Bowl pre-game ad today, February 1st! With amazing footage from the Fast & Furious film and fantastic sequences of the ride itself, you’re bound to make plans in the summer of 2015 to visit Universal Studios Hollywood to check it out!

According to Universal Studios Hollywood, “Fast & Furious—Supercharged” reunites stars from the Fast & Furious film series in a magnificent attract that can only be experienced at Universal Studios! The newest film features Vin Diesel (Dominic “Dom” Toretto), Michelle Rodriguez (Letty Ortiz), Dwayne Johnson (Luke Hobbs), Tyrese Gibson (Roman Pearce) and Luke Evans (Owen Shaw)! The ride “will catapult guests into the high-stakes underground world of fast cars in a harrowing escapade to save one of their own from an international crime cartel.”

Did you miss this thrilling, speedtastic ad during the pre-game? No problem! Ready, steady, go to the video below and check it out for yourself cause this is a thrill you don’t want to miss!

 

An Exclusive ‘Fast & Furious’ Ad Will Preview During Super Bowl Pre-Game!

Universal Studios Hollywood^SM shifts into high gear with the debut of an innovative, national 30-second commercial for its summer 2015 launch of the “Fast & Furious—Supercharged” thrill ride during NBC’s Super Bowl Pre-Game coverage on Sunday, February 1, 2015.

The gripping spot will jump-start Universal Studios Hollywood’s campaign for the eagerly-anticipated opening of “Fast & Furious—Supercharged,” a high-octane, adrenaline-fueled thrill ride and new grand finale to the world-famous Studio Tour.

“What better place is there than the Super Bowl to launch a campaign where millions of viewers huddle for non-stop, edge-of-your-seat suspense,” said Larry Kurzweil, President, Universal Studios Hollywood.  “In just 30, thrilling seconds, our compelling spot resonates with the exhilaration this immersive thrill ride will deliver when it opens at Universal Studios Hollywood this summer.”

“Fast & Furious—Supercharged” will reunite stars from the Fast & Furious series in a groundbreaking mega-attraction, conceived as a new installment to the dynamic film franchise that can only be experienced at The Entertainment Capital of L.A.  Featuring Vin Diesel (Dominic “Dom” Toretto), Michelle Rodriguez (Letty Ortiz), Dwayne Johnson (Luke Hobbs), Tyrese Gibson (Roman Pearce) and Luke Evans (Owen Shaw), “Fast & Furious—Supercharged” will catapult guests into the high-stakes underground world of fast cars in a harrowing escapade to save one of their own from an international crime cartel.

The dynamic hydraulic motion-based ride will tell an original Fast & Furious story that fuses sophisticated hyper-realistic special effects with a state-of-the-art 3D audio system and 3D-HD imagery, projected onto the world’s longest and most expansive 360-degree screen.  Spanning nearly 400 feet in length to encircle Studio Tour guests within a newly constructed 65,000-square-foot structure on the legendary backlot, the sprawling custom-built screen will employ 34, 4K projectors and a sophisticated projection configuration system to fully envelope guests in unprecedented realism.

Coupled with an intense blend of thrilling visceral effects, “Fast & Furious—Supercharged” will take guests on a wild ride that begins the moment they board the Studio Tour.  Exclusive interstitial content, filmed with the cast members, will be featured on the tram monitors highlighting interactions as they engage guests en route to the ride’s climatic scenes.  Along the tram route and featured at the ride, sightings of numerous prop cars from the Fast & Furious series, including Dom’s iconic Dodge Charger, will enhance the story.

The adventure will culminate with spectacular action sequences that send guests careening through the streets of Los Angeles—at perceived speeds in excess of 120 miles per hour—aided by the elite team of unforgettable heroes.

Please click here to see Universal Studios Hollywood’s “Fast & Furious—Supercharged” Super Bowl commercial which will be accessible in conjunction with the spot’s national airing.  Join the conversation online using #FastFuriousRide, and for all the latest news, ‘Like’ us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram and Twitter at @UniStudios.

Universal Studios Hollywood, The Entertainment Capital of L.A.^SM, includes a full-day, movie-based theme park and Studio Tour; the CityWalk entertainment, shopping and dining complex, the Universal CityWalk Cinemas and the “5 Towers” state-of-the-art outdoor concert venue.  World-class rides and attractions include the incredibly popular 3D Ultra-HD adventure, “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and immersive “Super Silly Fun Land,” the critically-acclaimed mega-attraction, “Transformers™:  The Ride-3D,” the intense, award-winning ride, “King Kong 360 3-D” on the behind-the-scenes Studio Tour, “Revenge of the Mummy^SM—The Ride” and “Jurassic Park® —The Ride.” As part of its milestone 50^th anniversary celebration in 2015, Universal Studios Hollywood will debut a slate of dynamic new attractions, including the electrifying 3D-HD thrill ride, “Fast & Furious—Supercharged” as the grand finale to the famed Studio Tour, “Springfield,” hometown of America’s favorite TV family, adjacent to the award-winning “The Simpsons Ride^TM” and the “Nighttime Studio Tour,” offering evening tours of the iconic movie backlot.

TI Exclusive: 20 Days Of “Grinchmas” At Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood lit their whimsically towering 60-foot tall Christmas tree for their annual 20 Days of “Grinchmas”. The special holiday event will run on weekends December 6-7 and 13-14, then daily from December 19 through January 3, 2015. The price for Grinchmas is already included in the price of admission to Universal Studios Hollywood and the popular “Buy a Day, Get 2015 Free” annual pass makes the deal the ideal Christmas gift. Special guests who joined for the annual lighting included Carlos and Alexa PenaVega, Yvette Nicole Brown and LA Mayor Eric Garcetti.

Grinchmas resonates with Whobilation throughout Universal Studios Hollywood, featuring The Grinch, his faithful dog Max, and the affable Whoville Who’s. Entertainment elements will include musical performances by Martha May Who-vier and the Who Dolls and the Who-liday Singers.

Guests at Grinchmas will get to explore their creative sides as with a variety of activities that include:

Who-ville Post Office – Visitors have a chance to partake in the “Grow Your Hearts 3 Sizes” campaign when they share their good deeds on a postcard and publishers of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, will pay forward by donating a book to a child in need through First Book on behalf of the sender.

Trim up the Tree Lot – Guests can design and personalize their own “Grinchmas” ornaments to help decorate the venue’s other “Grinchmas” trees or take them home as a keepsake.

Who-bilicious Cookie Dec-Who-rating – Freshly baked, ginger bread cookies are available for purchase, and guests can create their vary own amazing treats with an assortment of delectable frostings and tasty toppers.

Story Time with Cindy Lou Who – Cindy Lou-Who and her Who friends will gather guests of all ages- tall and small-for an engaging storytelling she of Dr. Suess’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas, featuring special effects and audience participation.

Tickets for Univeral Studios Hollywood can be purchased right HERE

“An American Werewolf in London” Is New At Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights

Universal Pictures’ Academy Award®-winning and genre-defining film, An American Werewolf in London, written and directed by John Landis, will be unleashed upon guests at Universal Studios Hollywood in an all-new “Halloween Horror Nights” maze beginning Friday, September 19, 2014.  The experience will recreate legendary scenes from the cult favorite using gruesomely convincing props, chillingly authentic music and mind-blowing special effects that will re-awaken the terrorizing shape shifting creature with superhuman strength:  the Werewolf.

Guests will begin their horrifying journey as they enter “The Slaughtered Lamb,” the English countryside pub movie fans will instantly recognize, and experience first-hand what the tavern patrons in the film meant when they cautioned, “Stay on the road, keep clear of the Moors and beware the moon.” After stumbling upon the overgrown wasteland known as the “Moors,” maze-goers will be forced to traverse through dense fog amidst sounds of savage growls and unknown peril ahead.

“We are extremely excited to bring ‘An American Werewolf in London’ to Universal Studios Hollywood’s ‘Halloween Horror Nights’ for the first time,” said John Murdy, Universal Studios Hollywood Creative Director and Executive Producer of “Halloween Horror Nights.” “John Landis’ iconic horror film and the groundbreaking makeup effects by Academy Award-winner Rick Baker have influenced generations of horror filmmakers and fans, and remains a classic of the genre. Turning such a celebrated film, which has been characterized as one of the greatest films of all time, into a ‘living horror movie’ can be daunting.  As the movie studio that invented the horror film genre, we have the expertise to deliver a realistically compelling experience and are up to the challenge.”

Along with “The Slaughtered Lamb” pub and the Yorkshire Moors, guests will recognize other memorable scenes and characters from the film – including the London Underground and gun-wielding demon soldiers. The famous “transformation scene” that inspired the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences to create an Oscar® for achievement in makeup will also be featured in the remarkable maze experience.

“The team at Universal Studios Hollywood has gone to great lengths to recreate the mood and details of the movie,” said John Landis.  “The true test for guests will be to see if they are able to endure the scares lurking throughout the maze – rather than screaming from room to room. I want them to really absorb the elaborate sets, make-up and special effects custom designed for this experience.”

An American Werewolf in London not only captured the Academy Award® for “Best Makeup” in 1982 for renowned makeup artist Rick Baker, but was also named Best Horror Film by the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films the same year. The film is available on Blu-ray™ and DVD from Universal Studios Home Entertainment.

To learn more about this all-new “Halloween Horror Nights” maze, click here:  “An American Werewolf in London.”

Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights Adds A New Maze “Dracula Untold” To The Lineup

Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort breathe new life into history’s most notorious vampire, Vlad Tepes, the real life 13^th century ruler and inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula in a terrifying new “Halloween Horror Nights” maze, “Dracula Untold: Reign of Blood. ” Beginning, Friday, September 19, 2014, guests can feast on this immersive preview of Universal Pictures’ upcoming epic action-adventure Dracula Untold.  Starring Luke Evans, the origin story of the man who became Dracula arrives in theaters on October 17.

“Dracula Untold: Reign of Blood” will introduce guests to the sadistic Transylvanian ruler Vlad Tepes, known as “Vlad the Impaler,” who infamously tortured his enemies by impaling them alive with a wooden stake and suspending their bodies. The foreboding maze will also shed an ominous light on the one-time hero, turned blood-thirsty-tyrant, who chose to embrace unholy powers in order to defeat his enemies.  “Dracula Untold: Reign of Blood” will spiral guests through Dracula’s eternal damnation, where the thirst for blood is never-ending.

“‘Everyone thinks they know the story of ‘Dracula’,” said John Murdy, Creative Director at Universal Studios Hollywood and Executive Producer of “Halloween Horror Nights.” “But there is much more to the tale than just a dark figure lurking in the shadows, drinking blood.  While Dracula Untold will reveal the origin story of the man who became Dracula, our ‘Halloween Horror Nights’ maze will invite guests to experience the atrocities Dracula imposed on his victims in the most frightening and immersive way possible.”

“As a huge fan of the Universal Classic Monsters, my interest is certainly piqued any time a film explores other facets ofthe classic characters,” said Michael Aiello, Director of Entertainment – Creative Development, Universal Orlando Resort. “Dracula Untold offers a unique perspective on the origin of the world’s most famous vampire. Our maze will place guests within many of the pulse-pounding moments from the upcoming film, offering guests an unprecedented living preview of the horrors that await.”

Universal Studios’ “Halloween Horror Nights” events have a more than 20-year history of creating incredibly entertaining, horrifying Halloween experiences that are consistently rated the nation’s best. The events on each coast feature highly-themed, disturbingly real, haunted mazes based on everything from films to nightmares – and streets filled with hundreds of specially trained “scareactors.” Other announced “Halloween Horror Nights” experiences include, “The Walking Dead:  The End of the Line,” “From Dusk Till Dawn,” “Face Off: In the Flesh,” “The Purge: Anarchy” and “AVP: Alien vs. Predator.”

In addition to “Dracula Untold: Reign of Blood,” other “Halloween Horror Night” attractions will include “The Walking Dead:  The End of the Line,” based on AMC’s hit TV series, “From Dusk Till Dawn,” inspired by inspired by Robert Rodriguez’s cult film and El Rey network’s TV Series, “AVP:  Alien vs. Predator,” based on the Twentieth Century Fox film franchise, “Face Off:  In the Flesh,” based on Syfy’s TV series, and “Purge: Anarchy,” a new scare zone inspired by Universal Pictures’ blockbuster thriller.”

To learn more about this all-new “Halloween Horror Nights” maze, click here:  “Dracula Untold”

 

 

 

Miranda Cosgrove Helps Open ‘Despicable Me’ Minion Mayhem Ride At Universal — See The Cute Pics!

Miranda Cosgrove, who voiced the character Margo in both Despicable Me films, was on hand to help open the film’s New 3D Ultra HD digital Animation Adventure ‘Minion Mayhem’ ride at Universal Studios Hollywood in Universal City, CA on Friday (April 11)!

She wasn’t the only star of the film there, either – she posed with Gru, Margo, Edith, and Agnes on the custom Minion-yellow carpet – and later joined Mario Lopez on stage, too, for the official of Universal’s newest attraction.

Miranda was looking fresh and flirty in a white knit top with half-sleeves and abstract-print shorts with woven platform wedge sandals — super cute!

Check out all the pics of Miranda’s fun day out at Universal in the gallery below now:

Jake Miller On The Yellow Carpet At Grand Opening Of The ‘Despicable Me’ Ride

Jake Miller and girlfriend Madison were given an opportunity to walk the yellow carpet today (April 11th), posing with one of the minions. Yellow carpet, you ask? Yes, yellow carpet. The carpet’s color represents the grand opening of the new Despicable Me ride opening at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Today was just in celebration though at Universal Studios. The true grand opening for the public will happen tomorrow, Saturday April 12th. Do you plan on joining up with the minions?

Joe Jonas, Gigi Hadid, + Friends Celebrate Blanda Eggenschwiler’s Bday At Universal Studios — See The Pics!

After picking out some presents for the birthday girl on Wednesday, Joe Jonas and Gigi Hadid gathered up some friends for a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood in Universal City, CA on Thursday (April 3) to celebrate his girlfriend Blanda Eggenschwiler’s big day!

The group, which also included Cara Santana, Paul E. Phamous, Stella Gambino, and Dave Osokow, showed some major love on Instagram for their pal while they had fun hanging with the minions from Despicable Me and enjoying a ton of rides at the park with their Front of the Line passes. Joe — in the Kate Moss Moustache Tee by Eleven Paris — was spotted holding Blanda’s hand and stopping for pics with fans during the day, too.

Check out all the pics from their fun birthday celebration in the gallery below now: