If you want an unforgettable artistic immersive experience, Area15 in Las Vegas, Nevada is a MUST SEE!
There are so many unique bucket list adventures in Las Vegas and Area15 is one to add to your list.
I’m sharing tips for visiting so that you can make the most of your time there and know what to expect before you go.
This article is written in partnership with Visit Las Vegas.
What is Area15?
AREA15 describes itself as Las Vegas’ newest experiential entertainment district offering live events, immersive activations, monumental art installations, extraordinary design elements, unique retail, bars and eateries, and much more.
It’s honestly hard to put into words what you’ll experience.
I would describe it as “Las Vegas meets Burning Man.” The art is colorful, psychedelic, and draws you in for an unforgettable immersive experience beyond your imagination.
What is Meow Wolf?
Meow Wolf is an arts and entertainment company based in Santa Fe, New Mexico. They create immersive, multimedia experiences that transport audiences of all ages into fantastic realms of storytelling.
Their work is described as a combination of a jungle gym, haunted house, children’s museum, and immersive art exhibit.
The name “Meow Wolf” came from a collective meeting where each person at the meeting put two names in a hat. Two random names were selected and “Meow Wolf” was born.
Meow Wolf was established in 2008 as an art collective. You might be familiar with their first permanent exhibit House of Eternal Return that opened in Santa Fe in 2016.
Where are the Meow Wolf Locations?
House of Eternal Return in Santa Fe, NM is the original location.
Meow Wolf exhibition spaces:
- Las Vegas
- Denver opening in 2021
- The Kaleidoscope dark ride opened in 2019 in Denver.
View All of the Art Installations in the Parking Lot First
I would suggest getting to Area15 early and looking at all of the art installations outside first.
You’ll have more time to appreciate them prior to going inside Area15 vs. after.
When you leave Area15, your eyes might need some time to adjust to the bright sunshine after being in the dark-lit building if you visit during the day.
Check the Area15 Website for Current Restrictions
During our visit, we were required to wear face masks and Area15 was operating at 25% capacity with limited hours.
Purchase Your Tickets in Advance With Your Desired Time Slot
Omega Mart is a REALLY popular permanent exhibit and you don’t want to miss out on seeing it during your visit.
They do sell out which is why you want to purchase tickets for a time slot that guarantees your entry.
Area15 is 21 and Up after 10pm
Kids are allowed at Area15 but keep in mind that Area15 is 21 and up after 10pm.
Know the Exhibit Restrictions Before You Go In
You can’t bring outside food/ beverages or small bags, backpacks, purses, and bags larger than 8” x 8.”
With that knowledge prior to my arrival, I opted to leave my backpack/purse hidden in our vehicle. I did bring an external battery charger for my cell phone because I didn’t want to risk running out of battery while we were inside.
You also want to pay attention to your emails with information about what time to arrive prior to your timed entry.
General Admission to Area15 is Free
You can reserve a General Admission ticket online for free. I would recommend doing this for your desired date in advance.
Most of the Activities Inside Area15 are Add-on Experiences
There are additional experiences at Area15 that you can experience for an additional fee.
If you purchase a ticket for a paid experience, you don’t need a general admission ticket.
- Meow Wolfs Omega Mart This experience is VERY popular- (get tickets in advance)
- Oz Experience Virtual Reality
- Dueling Axes -Ax throwing
- Five Iron Golf – Golf simulator
- Wink World: Portals into the Infinite– exhibit created by Chris Wink, one of the three Co-Founders and the Chief Creative Officer of Blue Man Group.
- Van Gogh Immersive Experience– 360-degree digital art exhibit
- Museum Fiasco “Cluster” by Playmodes Studio- Immersive light and sound experience
- Birdly– Flight simulator
- Emporium– Part bar, part arcade (21 and up to enter)
- Brainstorm
- Particle Quest– AR experience
- Haley’s Comet – A hybrid of ziplining and a roller coaster
What is Omega Mart?
Omega Mart is a 52,000 square foot immersive storytelling experience that took 3 years to build.
You start in an extraordinary supermarket that takes you into other worlds and spaces.
During the experience, you are encouraged to interact with the art and to explore the hidden spaces.
What Ages Are Appropriate for Omega Mart?
This exhibit is appropriate for all ages and the best part is that kids ages 4 and under are FREE!
How Much Time Should I Allow for Visiting Omega Mart?
Most guests usually spend 1-½ to 2 hours in the exhibit on their first visit. We spent over an hour inside and didn’t do all of the “boop” card interactions.
They recommend that you visit Omega Mart every year to see the additions, upgrades, and new rooms created by artists added to the permanent exhibition.
*Make sure that you are in line before your ticketed time.
Interact With the Exhibits Using the “Boop” Card
There are more layers to the story and you can unlock them by using the “Boop” card throughout the exhibit.
If you decide not to use the card, you will still find plenty to do and explore inside Omega Mart.
What to Expect in Omega Mart
You start your adventure in a grocery store unlike anything that you’ve ever seen before and from there let your curiosity lead you to other portals and places.
Wear Close Toed Shoes
Don’t miss out on some of the fun because you wore the wrong shoes. If you want to slide you must wear close toed shoes without heels.
If you wear white, you’ll be extra bright under the black lights too.
Go Down Both Slides
Just because you can. The slides are two different heights and you are required to put booties over your closed-toed shoes before going down. They are both so fun and fast!
For safety reasons, you are not allowed to film while going down the slides.
Be Curious
Read the labels, crawl in the holes, explore down the hallways, open doors, and just stand there for a few moments in wonder as you take it all in.
I would encourage you to try to see as much of the exhibit as possible.
You can also ask staff if there are any must-see sections that you may have overlooked.
I checked out a few more areas that I would have missed thanks to a staff member.
Seriously, Read the Labels
There is SO MUCH detail in the grocery store section at Omega Mart.
To appreciate the dry humor you really need to slow down and read the labels of the products on the shelves and in the aisles.
You Can Actually Purchase Many of the Items in the Store
Yes, you can actually purchase many of the items that you see in the Omega Mart store.
Check out these 10 items at Omega Mart that you don’t want to miss!
Search for the Secret Portals
The secret portals were definitely one of my favorite elements of Omega Mart. They were so fun to discover!
I loved crawling around and being led into another unknown area of the exhibit.
I highly recommend exploring every passage that you stumble upon.
You’ll find yourself traversing back and forth between the two worlds of the exhibit frequently.
There is a Bar at Omega Mart
Guests ages 21 and up can experience the bar inside Omega Mart.
Make Sure That You Try to See Everything Before You Exit Omega Mart
Once you leave Omega Mart you can’t go back inside. Take your time and make sure that you dont have regrets of missing sections of the exhibits.
There are restrooms inside Omega Mart so you don’t have to leave the exhibit when duty calls.
Eat Before You Go into Omega Mart
You’ll want plenty of time to explore Omega Mart without feeling “hangry,” especially if you have younger kids with you.
Check out The Beast by Todd English Restaurant Located Onsite
A great dining option that’s conveniently located onsite is “The Beast” by Todd English.
The projections on the wall and moody table lighting set the tone for a wonderful dining experience.
There are two smokemasters on staff and their edible art is evident once you experience their brisket smoked for 20 hours, ribs, and sausage.
Their food is self-described as “made with love, old school.”
Their cornbread is also perfection and something that we talked about days later!
The pastrami sandwich takes 8 days for the meat to be prepped.
You can’t go wrong with any of the appetizers pictured above.
The presentation for the burgers is also impressive!
The menu has something for everyone with unique flavors for pizza, burgers, tacos, vegetarian options and more.
If you save room for dessert, you’ll find plenty of delicious options to choose from.
Wink World Exhibit
This was the first exhibit that we checked out after exploring the general area of Area15.
Wink World is described as a “psychedelic art house meets carnival funhouse.”
In this exhibit you journey through six infinity mirror rooms; each containing a distinct combination of light, color, sound, and motion.
Next, we had lunch at The Beast followed by the Omega Mart experience. It was a nice way to break up our visit.
Where is Area15 located?
Area15 is located 3215 S Rancho Dr, Las Vegas, NV.
Is There Parking Available at Area15?
Yes, there is limited free parking available at Area15.
If you plan on driving, it’s suggested that you arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled time.
If you are using a Rideshare, you’ll find that Area15 is 6 miles or less from most downtown Las Vegas locations.
