Sensorio unveils 2 new light exhibits in Paso Robles. Here’s a look

Elizabeth Wilson
·2 min read

Two new exhibits were unveiled at Sensorio in Paso Robles on Friday.

Artist Bruce Munro created the new displays — titled “Gone Fishing” and “Fireflies” — using light to depict deeper meanings of introspection, according to a news release.

The first instillation, “Gone Fishing,” features 30 fanned-out arrays of 25 multi-colored “fishing rods.”

“To me, fishing has always conjured up the notion of removing oneself from the here and now to a place of peace and reflection,” Munro said.

Two new light exhibits at Sensorio in Paso Robles were unveiled on Friday, May 19, 2023. “Gone Fishing” features 30 fanned-out arrays of 25 multi-colored “fishing rods.” “Fireflies” features 9,270 whimsical tendrils of light scattered in small clusters on the nearby hillsides.
Two new light exhibits at Sensorio in Paso Robles were unveiled on Friday, May 19, 2023. “Gone Fishing” features 30 fanned-out arrays of 25 multi-colored “fishing rods.” “Fireflies” features 9,270 whimsical tendrils of light scattered in small clusters on the nearby hillsides.

“Fireflies” features 9,270 whimsical tendrils of light scattered in small clusters in a nearby field. They are inspired by Munro’s favorite books, “Kim” by Rudyard Kipling and “Siddhartha” by Hermann Hesse, according to a news release.

Both new exhibits are located just beyond the Light Towers on a circle path that also includes new tables and a food truck.

Munro’s work has been featured around the world in galleries, parks, grand estates, cathedrals, botanical gardens and museums. The Field of Light installation at Sensorio is solar-powered and features 100,000 “stemmed spheres lit by fiber-optics.”

The Travel Lemming website recently listed Sensorio among the top 150 places to visit this summer.

Two new light exhibits at Sensorio in Paso Robles were unveiled on Friday, May 19, 2023. “Fireflies” features 9,270 whimsical tendrils of light scattered in small clusters on hillsides near the new “Gone Fishing” display of 30 fanned-out arrays of 25 multi-colored “fishing rods.”
Two new light exhibits at Sensorio in Paso Robles were unveiled on Friday, May 19, 2023. “Fireflies” features 9,270 whimsical tendrils of light scattered in small clusters on hillsides near the new “Gone Fishing” display of 30 fanned-out arrays of 25 multi-colored “fishing rods.”

“It is my belief that light is a wonderful medium to connect kind, body and soul with the natural environment,” Munro said. “I hope this instillation instills a sense of wonder and surprise to those that see it.”

At the unveiling Friday night, Sensorio general manager Ryan Hopple said he is looking forward to bringing more events to Sensorio in the future.

“I think it’s an exciting time for Sensorio in Paso Robles as we continue to become a destination for hospitality and tourism,” Hopple said.

Sensorio also recently unveiled the new Mercado Sensorio in the entrance area of the exhibit, offering more food and drink options along with additional tables indoor and out for guests to enjoy before or after touring the light exhibits.

Two new light exhibits at Sensorio in Paso Robles were unveiled on Friday, May 19, 2023. “Fireflies” features 9,270 whimsical tendrils of light scattered in small clusters on hillsides near the new “Gone Fishing” display of 30 fanned-out arrays of 25 multi-colored “fishing rods.”
Two new light exhibits at Sensorio in Paso Robles were unveiled on Friday, May 19, 2023. “Fireflies” features 9,270 whimsical tendrils of light scattered in small clusters on hillsides near the new “Gone Fishing” display of 30 fanned-out arrays of 25 multi-colored “fishing rods.”

Tickets for Sensorio are $43 for adults and $22 for kids, available at sensoriopaso.com.

The exhibit is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., with extra nights on Sunday and Monday of Memorial Day weekend. In June, Sensorio will be open Thursday through Sunday during the same times.

Sensorio has limited capacity for walk-ups from June 16 until Nov. 30 due to parking lot construction. Attendees are encouraged to buy tickets beforehand.

The Sensorio Field of Light is located off Highway 46 East in Paso Robles.
The Sensorio Field of Light is located off Highway 46 East in Paso Robles.
The newest attraction at the Sensorio Field of Light in Paso Robles is called Light Towers, a display of 69 columns assembled from 17,388 bottles illuminated by fiberoptic threads that gradually change colors. Each tower has 252 bottles.
The newest attraction at the Sensorio Field of Light in Paso Robles is called Light Towers, a display of 69 columns assembled from 17,388 bottles illuminated by fiberoptic threads that gradually change colors. Each tower has 252 bottles.