Holographic Studios

Art gallery · East Village

Holographic Studios

Art gallery · East Village

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172 E 2nd St, New York, NY 10009

Photos

Holographic Studios by null
Holographic Studios by Jason Sapan (Holographic Studios)
Holographic Studios by Jason Sapan (Holographic Studios)
Holographic Studios by esotericroots (Atlas Obscura User)
Holographic Studios by Jason Sappan (Holographic Studios)
Holographic Studios by Avoiding Regret (Sandi Hemmerlein)
Holographic Studios by Avoiding Regret (Sandi Hemmerlein)
Holographic Studios by Avoiding Regret (Sandi Hemmerlein)
Holographic Studios by Avoiding Regret (Sandi Hemmerlein)
Holographic Studios by Jason Sapan (Holographic Studios)
Holographic Studios by Jason Sapan (Holographic Studios)
Holographic Studios by nicolaleigh (Atlas Obscura User)
Holographic Studios by null
Holographic Studios by null
Holographic Studios by null
Holographic Studios by null
Holographic Studios by null
Holographic Studios by null
Holographic Studios by null
Holographic Studios by null
Holographic Studios by null
Holographic Studios by null
Holographic Studios by null
Holographic Studios by null
Holographic Studios by null
Holographic Studios by null
Holographic Studios by null
Holographic Studios by null
Holographic Studios by null
Holographic Studios by null
Holographic Studios by null
Holographic Studios by null
Holographic Studios by null
Holographic Studios by null
Holographic Studios by null
Holographic Studios by null
Holographic Studios by null
Holographic Studios by null
Holographic Studios by null
Holographic Studios by null
Holographic Studios by null
Holographic Studios by null
Holographic Studios by null
Holographic Studios by null

Highlights

See amazing holograms, learn laser science, tour historic gallery  

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172 E 2nd St, New York, NY 10009 Get directions

holographer.com

$$$

Information

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172 E 2nd St, New York, NY 10009 Get directions

+1 212 686 9397
holographer.com
Holographer

$$$

Features

gender neutral restroom

Last updated

Sep 14, 2025

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18 Places to Discover Innovation in Roosevelt Island and NYC

"Master holographer Jason Sapan has been making holographic images from a subterranean laser lab in the basement of his small storefront gallery for nearly 40 years.  Holographic Studios’ proud founder Jason Sapan has been creating, selling, displaying and teaching holography since the 1960s, when he worked with Bell Laboratories to demonstrate new advances in laser technology for Time Inc., the very first public exhibition of holography in America. Working as the portrait holographer for New York’s (now closed) Museum of Holography for years, Sapan has had a slew of celebrity commissions; Andy Warhol, Bill Clinton, and Isaac Asimov are amongst the impressive list who have posed to have Sapan’s holograms made in their likeness.  Today many of these celebrity portraits are on display within the holography gallery, along with the world’s largest collection of motion image holograms, cylindrical, multi-channel and computer generated holograms, novelty items and stickers. Sapan is passionate about his craft and loves discussing the science of laser physics with visitors as well as showing off his work. The very lucky tourist may just get a special invitation to experience where all the holography magic occurs: beneath the shop in Sapan’s basement laboratory, a sci-fi lover’s dreamworld of labyrinthine passageways and beaming streams of laser light." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/18-places-to-discover-innovation-in-roosevelt-island-and-nyc
View Postcard for Holographic Studios

Sean Lally

Google
Fantastic private tutorial from Sy! She quickly assessed my background and gave me the advanced information I was looking for, and then some! I had done holography for many years, but was rusty and wanted to learn some new techniques. I left with so many great ideas and suggestions - it was worth every minute! I made the trip from Baltimore purely for this visit and was not remotely disappointed. Thank you, Sy and Holographic Studios!

Jo Thorpe

Google
We went on a tour of the Holographic Studios today and it was an amazing experience! Doctor Laser was full of interesting stories and showed us the amazing holograms he’s produced. We were there with four girls aged 7-12 and they all had a great time - lots of laughter and awe while learning about lasers and holograms. It’s a really unique and unusual way to spend a couple of hours - I’d definitely recommend - quirky and fun!

Joyce Chen

Google
My friends planned a surprise at the museum with Dr. Laser and it exceeded my wildest expectations. We booked the whole place for a private event and it could not have been more perfect. We had to split into two groups due to the number of people in the party but there was a cute courtyard space in the back where we could hang out. Dr. Laser was super informative but kept the conversation really light-hearted and fun. He clearly knows his stuff and is really passionate about lasers and holographs! I highly recommend this museum to anyone who wants a unique experience by Bellevue Hospital. Thanks Dr. Laser!!!

Vanessa Civiello

Google
We did a tour today with Dr. Laser and it was such an experience. Not only did we love the studio and the lab, we also really enjoyed our time with Dr. laser as he is very kind, funny and explained the art/science incredibly well. Would definitely recommend the tour to everyone - and it’s something beautifully unusual to do in NYC.

On Eman

Google
I came from California specifically to experience it once, but due to holiday closures and a tight schedule, I couldn't make it. Today, I checked again, and the reopening is on Tuesday. Unfortunately, I'll be leaving New York on Tuesday. It feels like a missed opportunity in my life. Wishing this place all the best.

Jeffrey Geiringer

Google
a bizzare magic school bus ride into the small but persistent world of holography, complete with a charming mr. frizzle. if you have any interest in science and technology, of course check out this place. what might not be so obvious is that it's also of great historical significance as seemingly the only remaining shop of its kind, having persevered for well over 4 decades! to put it shortly: doc lazer has an original hologram he made of andy warhol reading a magazine. there are countless other treasures in this humble little shop, including an eye-popping signature wall that's been collecting more famous folks over the decades. dont miss holographic studios!! but be warned you will be very tempted to buy some holographic stickers or prints, since they are all so awesome and reasonably-priced.

Jonathan Nitzan

Google
Spectacular place, highly recommended! The gallery is cool to look at, but really the technique and the history and fascinating. The tour was awesome and gave a lot more information (and quite a few more exculsive holograms). Interesting, fun, and visually striking.

Ferdinand Stöhr

Google
Highly recommended! The owner will tell you a lot about holographs and show you some remarkable works he did with Bill Clinton and Andy Warhol for example. Very good hidden secret of NYC!
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Yoshiharu H.

Yelp
This place is absolutely amazing, a little secret of NYC that I as a native had never known about, and I live 5 min away! The holograms are truly a marvel, and learning about how they're made from the zany and kind Dr. Lazer was truly a pleasure! I highly recommend this to anyone who thinks they've seen all there is to see in New York, because this place is simply great! And to Dr. Lazer, I'll stop by sometime! We greatly enjoyed your tour, but we equally enjoyed your company!

aug r.

Yelp
Definitely book the tour if you can, I was amazed by what I saw, and you can tell Dr. Laser loves what he does. It's surprising we don't see these holograms used in marketing or storefronts more often, it's truly an amazing technology. Support this studio if you can by booking a tour! We can't let this analog technology be forgotten.
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Jane F.

Yelp
Jason is a very kind person. My mom and I went to his museum to see the holographic projects. We are all impressed with his work. He is a hands on guy- also spent time to fix my mom's wheelchair! Lots of thanks.

Jensi J.

Yelp
We didn't know what to expect when we booked this tour, but the mystery made it that much more entertaining when we stepped foot into Holographic Studios. Dr. Laser has an abundance of anecdotes and a flare for storytelling. We got a peek into his process, a little bit of a NYC history lesson, and a very fun, memorable time touring his lab. Thanks for having us!

Delaney C.

Yelp
This little neighborhood gem has been sparking my curiosity for years. We finally went and it was a great time! Dr Laser is so passionate about what he does and is having fun while he does it- it shows, and it's contagious. It was such an interesting and goofy experience I will never forget. I'm glad we finally went here before it closes in August- HURRY UP and go before it closes after 40+ years! Happy retirement, Dr Laser.
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Ryann C.

Yelp
We walked into this place not entirely sure what to expect but it really turned out to be a very unique and educational experience. Jason, better known as Dr. Laser is super energetic and smart. He exists in a really cool niche and you can tell he's passionate about what he's doing. He has amazing stories and is very eager to show the various ways holograms can be created and showcased. It's not everyday you find a place that specializes in such a niche aspect of life, and especially doing it successfully, which is impressive in of itself. It truly is a gem hiding in plain sight, with such a rich history I was honestly blown away, no exaggeration. Dope place, dope products, dope people, an extremely dope experience overall. It's a place that really should be checked out.

Jonah G.

Yelp
Jason ("Dr. Laser") is incredibly entertaining and informative. The "tour" (really more like a private meeting, at least in our experience) covers not just holography but a wide variety of New York history, the entertainment industry, and whatever random topics he happens to seize on--he is easily sidetracked and somewhat long-winded, which could be good or bad depending on your personality and patience. The one downside is that he uses cigarette smoke for some demonstrations; he ostensibly asks permission but isn't very receptive to gentle declinations. It should be easy enough to change this to some other form of less noxious smoke.
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Dave R.

Yelp
Dr. Laser is a hell of a host! You'll get to see all sorts of holographic art and the awesome techniques used to make it. This is a really interesting and specific field of "photography" and makes for an amazingly unique place to visit.
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Maya L.

Yelp
Jason is sooooo nice & welcoming! My friend and I stopped by today to check out random museums and stumbled into this one. I saw AMAZING holographic pieces of art work and got myself one. It's a nice chill place to stop by. Although the space is intimate you'll really enjoy the artistic atmosphere.
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Charlie O.

Yelp
We did a group tour with Tech2025.com (we usually do workshops and panel events but wanted something different -- a more hands-on way of learning and thinking about technology). Let me tell you that not only did Dr. Laser not disappoint, he blew us away! Jason (Dr. Laser) is SUCH a wonderful storyteller who clearly loves science, technology and people! He was thoughtful, funny, engaging, and talked with us LONG after the tour was over. Hard to believe this place has been in NY my whole life and, yet, I never knew about it. Walking into his hologram shop is like stepping back in time. This tour is perfect for every. We had primarily adults, but we also had one child who was 10 years old. She gave me a big hug and told me that she was going to tell all of her friends at school about the tour and Dr. Laser (it doesn't get any better than that!!!). It was a unique, special experience that reminded us that learning about science and technology should be fun, engaging, and conversation. Thank you Dr. Laser! Huge hug! Charlie
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Lisa R.

Yelp
Thoroughly enjoyed our visit with Dr. Laser today! We visited with our two children, ages 14&10. Not only did we get a lesson in holography, but we also got a history lesson about the area! What an engaging and interesting adventure through the subterranean studio where we got to see an actual laser used to make holograms. Can't recommend this tour highly enough! Fun facts, entertaining host and fascinating science all combined to make this a fun and educational adventure!!
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Eric K.

Yelp
Truly mind-bending. Must see holograms in person, no picture is equivalent. Doctor Laz(s?)er is a great guy, had several widely fascinating discussions. Really cool place. Thanks again :))) -Eric

Kevin X.

Yelp
I didn't stay for long, but Dr. Laser was very friendly and turned on the lights for me when I walked into the store to peruse. He's passionate about the job, and overall, the vibe of the store was cool and retro. Definitely a hidden gem.
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Yosh H.

Yelp
So...if you're looking for something fun that is not Times Square or Madison Square Garden but still looking for fun with lasers, you could not make a mistake with a visit to Holographic Studios! First, Dr. Laser is amazingly fun as both a tour guide but just as a wealth of knowledge about the history and evolution of holographs! I highly recommend this guided tour to ANYONE and EVERYONE -- New Yorkers and/or tourists -- who wants to visit something off the beaten path. Seriously, GO!

Adarsh S.

Yelp
One of my friends from Canada was in town visiting for a week. He found out about this place and suggested we go to it and I decided to check it out. It was just the 2 of us doing a group tour so we pretty much got a private tour and it was great! I was pleasantly surprised to discover this little secret of our city has been around for quite a while actually! We were greeted by Dr. Laser and Jimmy who worked there and learned about some of the history of holography, how holograms are made, the kind of work Dr. Laser has done and continues to do, and overall just had a great, interactive time. He talks to you about the history of the place and how things really work (along with showing off a couple of cool tricks in a dark and totally not scary basement :) ). Overall, had a great experience and picked up some cool souvenirs. Would definitely recommend to check out if you've got about an hour to kill in the city and you book ahead!

Meira G.

Yelp
I found this museum on Yelp but when I came by, the place looked so shabby I thought it must have been a mistake but thank God I knocked anyways because Doc Laser (the owner and tour guider) is AWESOME. I wanted to know about holograms and he had a two hour discussion with me in detail about how they work and showing me all the different effects. He must tell the Same information everyday to tons of people, but he spoke to me with the same enthusiasm as a big tour group! Even though I'm a random non paying art student. I can't speak for the tours (which I hear are awesome!) but you should go in just to meet doc Laser and learn about holograms!
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Kathy R.

Yelp
This place is AWESOME! I would definitely recommend getting the tour. It's well worth the price! Dr. Laser is super funny and puts on quite a show when presenting the science behind holograms. He could be compared to Bill Nye the Science Guy for adults, but I'm sure he could appeal to kids as well. The art in the museum is spectacular, but the lasers shown on the tour are really really cool. You'll learn and see a lot.
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Sally R.

Yelp
Had a great time here last night with my brother, his wife, and my fiancé! Dr. Sapan was so excited to show us every hologram and answer all of our questions. Instead of getting annoyed with our plethora of questions, he answered everything happily and comedically and our stay turned into a multiple hour one. The artwork presented was extremely cool. Holograms are pretty magical.
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Armen N.

Yelp
Very interesting artwork! The holograms were way more interesting than I had imagined. There was an interesting array of older and newer works. The newer stuff was jaw dropping; I had no idea how detailed or how large holograms had gotten.
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Dolin N.

Yelp
Jason's the best!!!! Definitely come check out this small museum when you have the time. Jason has a lot to say about his medium, and his passion for holography is clear.

Kari J.

Yelp
An unexpected gem in NYC. The owner, Doc Laser, was extremely gracious and excited to share with us all sorts of great stories, holograms, and education on the process. The gallery had the best holograms I have ever seen. Although the place was small, it had character, tons of cool things to see, plenty of pop culture history (Andy Warhol, Klaus Nomi, the list goes on!), and we all were so enthralled with our conversations with the owner that almost two hours went by in a flash! We hope to return again someday.

Alan R.

Yelp
One of those places few people know about that is SO New York. I am giving this local place a plug because I want them to thrive. Had such a great visit. Will return with out of town guests.

Jamie D.

Yelp
The Holographic studios is a true NYC gem!!! I enjoyed my visit and learnt all about holography and light. Visitors are welcome to explore the gallery, and if you ever need to make holograms or optical illusions/laser shows for events, this is the place to go. I highly recommend paying a visit, for tourists and new yorkers alike.

Bhavik Q.

Yelp
We just visited the studio and had such a great time. The man there (his name may be Ed but not sure) was super friendly and knowledgeable about holography. We've never met someone so passionate about their work. All the holographic images were amazing. Pictures really don't do them justice.