Explore New York's Secret Underground Laboratory

 

Explore New York's Secret Underground Laboratory

 

 

Nestled on a quiet street in Kips Bay is the oldest gallery of holography in the world, Holographic Studios. The storefront is unassuming, but inside, Dr. Laser (real name: Jason Sapan) is working on his latest creations in a "subterranean laser laboratory" located below the gallery.
Since 1979, Sapan has been creating holograms inside this boutique-sized space, a former blacksmith's forge.

He proudly displays his three-dimensional motion images for the public to see, including an array of celebrity holograms like a portrait of Andy Warhol flipping through a newspaper, which he created in 1977. The gallery also houses mind-bending moving holograms that play out as you pass by, like a professional boxer who takes a stance with his dukes up. 


Holographic Studios, located at 240 East 26th St., has been in the same location for over 40 years. (Photo Credit: Andy Cavallaro)

When the eccentric holographer emerges from the back room, he is wearing a white lab coat emblazoned with the name of his alter ego, Dr. Laser. 

"This room is just the appetizer," Sapan explains to his visitors about the front gallery. 

During the guided tours, he lives up to his reputation as the king of holograms. Sapan is passionate about his craft and loves discussing the science of laser physics while showing off his work.

 

 

He's the science teacher you wish you had in high school. His captivating enthusiasm (and hilarious use of puns and dad jokes) makes physics fun.

The native New Yorker also peppers in stories about his famous clients (Bill Clinton, Billy Idol, Sally Jessy Raphael - to name a few), his laser work for Studio 54, and his appearance in a Flock of Seagulls music video. He is quite possibly the most interesting man in the world. 

Jason Sapan wears a white lab coat stitched with the name of his alter ego, Dr. Laser. (Photo Credit: Andy Cavallaro)

He's also dabbled in acting. His credits include Gotham, Elementary, Boardwalk Empire, The Affair, Limitless, and Blue Bloods.

His flair for drama is evident as he leads guests down a narrow staircase to the pitch-black recesses of his "subterranean laser laboratory." 

Dr. Laser shows off fascinating laser technology in his laboratory. (Photo Credit: Andy Cavallaro)

"Have you ever seen Silence of the Lambs?” Dr. Laser asks with a sinister laugh as he descends into the dark underground lair.   

"I guarantee that you'll not only be surprised, but you're going to be amazed. I will make your mouth drop open and make you say, 'Whoa' and 'Cool' many times," he adds.

He lives up to that promise.

Once inside, visitors experience the magic of real-time laser technology using smoke, lasers, and sci-fi magic mixed with real science.

Now what happens in the laboratory stays in the laboratory, mostly because you need to experience it for yourself.

The Verdict: The unique adventure Dr. Laser takes you on is what makes Holographic Studios so special. His sense of enthusiasm for holography makes him the perfect guide to transport guests to a universe where science fiction meets science fact. With so much happening in New York City, another museum is easy to miss, but this one is worth discovering.

To learn more about Holographic Studios and to schedule a visit or tour, visit holographer.com. Please call ahead for hours of availability.

 

Written by Amber James