| Fathom | |
| Metric Unit: | cm |
| Imperial Unit: | in |
| City: | Portland, Oregon, United States |
| Coordinates: | 45.5193°N -122.6758°W |
| Mapframe: | yes |
| Mapframe-Zoom: | 13 |
Fathom (stylized as FATHOM) is an underwater-themed, immersive art installation located in Portland, Oregon.[1] Launched in February 2024, the installation is set to run until February 2025. Fathom showcases the work of approximately 100 artists and volunteers and draws inspiration from other immersive art experiences such as Meow Wolf.
Many of the artworks were previously exhibited at the Portland Winter Light Festival, Burning Man, Symbiosis, and Maker Faire. The interactive nature of Fathom allows visitors to engage with art pieces through buttons that trigger sounds, lighting, and movement.[2]
Fathom is designed to be fully interactive. According to co-founder Tyler FuQua, visitors receive clipboards to engage in "research" that includes a scavenger hunt within the space. Unlike traditional art exhibits, where touching is often prohibited, Fathom encourages tactile exploration of its installations.[3] Chris Herring noted that the design process was influenced by companies like Meow Wolf, with advice emphasizing the importance of creating art for personal enjoyment rather than targeting specific audiences.
Fathom was created by founding members — Tyler FuQua, Chris Herring, Jason Hutchinson, Kevin Kearns, and Jean Margaret Thomas — who established the limited liability company Roboto Octopodo to manage the installation's production. The exhibit premiered during the Portland Winter Light Festival in February 2024. Initially free to attend, Fathom closed for two months to expand and develop a ticketed experience starting in May 2024. Over 100 volunteer artists contributed to the installation, often using found and donated materials. The City of Portland has renewed Fathom permit twice, with the current extension lasting until February 28, 2025.[4]
Fathom has garnered media attention from both local and national outlets, including Oregon Public Radio, Willamette Week, and local television stations. It was named a “Best of Portland” 2024 Editorial Pick by Willamette Week.[5] Fathom is situated in a downtown Portland neighborhood described as struggling, and it has transformed 8,000 square feet of a former drugstore into an immersive oceanic environment.[6] Local businesses have reported positive impacts since the installation opened.