While New Yorkers cherish their city, there's a growing desire to escape into new dimensions—a trend embraced by artists, museums, and innovative companies alike. The city is brimming with immersive exhibitions, events, and experiences that transport participants to extraordinary worlds.
From spellbinding theatrical productions to surreal digital installations in grand spaces, NYC offers endless opportunities to step into alternate realities. To help you stay ahead of the curve, here’s a curated list of current and upcoming immersive events that promise to astonish and inspire.
Unforgettable Immersive Experiences in NYC
1. Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy
In 1987, an artistic amusement park featuring works by icons like Keith Haring, Salvador DalĂ, and Jean-Michel Basquiat opened in Germany, but plans for a world tour fizzled, leaving the art abandoned—until now.
Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy has been revived and brought to The Shed, where you can explore its enchanting attractions, including a Basquiat Ferris wheel, Haring carousel, and a Lichtenstein labyrinth. This stunning limited-time exhibit runs through January 5, 2025. Tickets start at $44 per person.
2. STARSCAPE at Genesis House
If winter’s early sunsets are getting you down, STARSCAPE, a captivating light installation at Genesis House, offers the perfect remedy. Designed by Ethan Tobman, known for his visual direction of The Eras Tour, this exhibit delves into the mysteries of the cosmos and the beauty of darkness.
Inspired by Dongji, the Korean Winter Solstice, the installation is free and open to all through January 12. Visit between Tuesday and Sunday, 11 AM–7 PM, at 40A 10th Ave., Meatpacking District.
3. Mercer Labs
Mercer Labs, a Museum of Art and Technology, merges cutting-edge design with playful interactivity. Created by renowned artist Roy Nachum, best known for Rihanna’s Anti album cover, and developer Michael Cayre, this innovative space delights visitors of all ages with its unique blend of art and technology.
Each room is designed to entertain and inspire, making Mercer Labs more than just an exhibit—it's a testament to the limitless possibilities of immersive environments.
4. Tingle Bells: An ASMR-Inspired Holiday Special at ARTECHOUSE
ARTECHOUSE in Chelsea has reimagined the sensory phenomenon of ASMR into a dazzling holiday experience. Titled Tingle Bells, this new exhibit transforms festive sights and sounds into a mesmerizing digital display.
From unraveling gift wrap to cascading Tetris-like visuals, it all comes alive on the massive walls of ARTECHOUSE’s former boiler room gallery. Tickets start at $25, and the experience runs until January 5, 2025, at 439 W 15th St., Chelsea Market.
5. "The INTERnet" at INTER_
Step into a 400-square-foot interactive rope maze crafted by the Treenet Collective. The INTERnet allows visitors to climb, swing, and relax in intricately woven spaces with distinct "settings" such as the playful "quantum leap" and the serene "social network."
Located at 415 Broadway in Soho, this installation accommodates up to 15 participants at a time for an unforgettable tactile experience.
6. IMAGINARI: The Insect World
Bugs take center stage in IMAGINARI: The Insect World, a year-long art and science exhibition in Manhattan. Visitors can marvel at oversized flowers, intricate bug-inspired artwork, and whimsical mantis disco balls.
This family-friendly exhibit underscores the ecological importance of insects, blending education with immersive art. Tickets are $36, and the show runs through April 2025.
7. The Friends Experience
Relive your favorite moments from the '90s sitcom Friends at The Friends Experience: The One in New York City. Wander through meticulously recreated sets, from Monica’s apartment to the “Pivot” couch, and enjoy photo opportunities galore.
Beyond nostalgia, the exhibit also features costumes, props, and artwork by Burton Morris. Located in NYC, this experience is a perfect blend of fun and fandom.
8. The House of Cannabis
NYC’s first large-scale cannabis museum, The House of Cannabis (THC NYC), begins with a sensory-bending “Disorientation Room” and unfolds into a multi-level exploration of cannabis culture, art, and advocacy.
Located at 427 Broadway, this 25,000-square-foot museum delves into the plant’s history, science, and social justice issues. Tickets are $45 for adults.
9. Summit One Vanderbilt
Ascend to new heights at Summit One Vanderbilt, an immersive experience atop one of NYC’s tallest skyscrapers. Start underground at Grand Central and journey upward to the 91st floor for awe-inspiring views and Air, a mirrored infinity room by Kenzo Digital.
The space transforms with weather and time of day, offering unique perspectives whether you’re walking among the clouds or watching storms swirl around you.
10. Sloomoo: A Slime Wonderland
Dive into a world of sensory delight at Sloomoo Institute, NYC’s slime-centric museum. This playful attraction lets you create, squish, and even stand under a waterfall of slime in a vibrant and colorful setting.
While it’s Instagram-worthy, visitors are encouraged to disconnect and revel in the tactile fun of this gooey wonderland during their 90-minute visit.
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