Dreamscapes exhibit returns to Salt Lake City after being ousted from South Town mall

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SALT LAKE CITY — An immersive art attraction forced out of its Sandy location to make room for a new practice facility for Utah's NHL franchise has returned, not far from where it debuted.

After months of uncertainty, Dreamscapes will reopen in a new space at 16 N. Rio Grande Street within the Gateway, the Utah Arts Alliance announced on Wednesday. Signage indicating the art exhibit was moving in was placed a few weeks ago.

An official reopening date has yet to be determined, but signs on the building's window last month stated it would be this fall.

"Dreamscapes is more than just an attraction; it's a vital part of our community, providing a platform for artists to showcase their creativity and innovation. This move is not only a homecoming for us but also a significant boost to the local economy and tourism in Salt Lake City," Derek Dyer, Utah Arts Alliance executive director, said in a statement.

Dreamscapes initially opened at another location at the Gateway in 2019, providing a space for local artists to display interactive artwork for patrons to enjoy. It moved to another location in Salt Lake City in the fall of 2020, before eventually ending up in Sandy for the past two years.

However, its time there came to an abrupt end earlier this year. Smith Entertainment Group reached an agreement to acquire the Shops at South Town in May. The agreement, which was finalized in August, included plans to build a new practice facility for the Utah Hockey Club at the site occupied by Dreamscapes.

The Utah Arts Alliance's lease was terminated shortly after that deal came to light. It moved Dreamscapes out of Sandy after its last day on July 14, about a month before the groundbreaking on a new practice facility. The new space is about a block from the Delta Center, where the Utah Hockey Club will play.

"The return further solidifies the Gateway as a hub for Utah Arts Alliance's permanent exhibits and community events, as well as a vibrant destination for artistic experiences and expressions in downtown Salt Lake City," said Julissa Breslin, director of marketing at the Gateway.

Moving hasn't been easy, though. Most of the move has relied on volunteers and the organization estimates it will cost at least $200,000 to rebuild Dreamscapes again.

On top of announcing the new location, the Utah Arts Alliance launched a fundraising campaign aiming to recoup a portion of those costs. Rewards, including admission tickets and parties, are provided to people who donate, depending on the amount they give. That may also determine when Dreamscapes reopens.

"We can't wait to welcome you back to experience the magic and wonder," Dyer said.

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Carter Williams

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Carter Williams is an award-winning reporter for KSL.com. He covers Salt Lake City news, as well as statewide transportation issues, outdoors, environment and weather. Carter has worked in Utah news for over a decade and is a graduate of Southern Utah University.