Gaiascope Brings Interactive Kaleidoscope Sculptures to Circle of Palms in Downtown San Jose

The Circle of Palms plaza in Downtown San Jose has gained a striking new centerpiece. Artist Brooke Einbender’s Gaiascope installation has taken its place there, with three suspended kaleidoscope sculptures on view from May 22 through August 18, 2026.

Each six-foot structure hangs from steel cables and carries a laser-cut steel skin. Intricate cutouts let shifting LED light spill outward in changing colors while mirrored chambers inside project video art that moves from microscopic natural details to sweeping landscapes.

Interactive pedestals stand ready for visitors. People can adjust lighting sequences, pick different colors, choose video segments, and even change playback speeds. The setup turns the sculptures into responsive experiences rather than static objects.

San Jose’s Office of Cultural Affairs commissioned the work as part of its public art programming for major events this year. The location at 124 S. Market Street sits right beside the San Jose Museum of Art, placing the installation in a high-traffic spot where daily foot traffic and evening gatherings already happen.

This kind of hands-on light and video piece adds another layer to how people engage with public space in Downtown San Jose. It rewards curiosity and is very on-brand for "Silicon Valley" art.

Great Big Game Show Now Open at Westfield Valley Fair

San Jose just welcomed the arrival of the Great Big Game Show at Westfield Valley Fair. This interactive experience lets you step into a real game show setting, complete with a live host, bright lights, and lively music. Two teams compete in a variety of fast-paced challenges, from trivia and chance games to creative tasks involving props. Whether you’re drawing, building, or guessing your way to victory, this attraction delivers all the thrills of a televised game show without the stress of a huge audience.

To mark their grand opening, the Great Big Game Show is hosting a special competition packed with free games and fantastic prizes. If you’re eager to join the action and test your skills, head to their website to join the waitlist and secure your spot.

Nestled in Westfield Valley Fair, a go-to spot for shopping and dining, the Great Big Game Show adds a new layer of fun to an already popular destination. One of the reasons why Valley Fair continues to thrive while most malls across the US are on life support is their willingness to add nontraditional stores and entertainment into the mix. Valley fair also has escape games, Bowlero, Immersive Gamebox, and a new high-end movie theater (Alamo Drafthouse).