We love New York City, but sometimes it’s okay to want to step into another world!
Immersive experiences have been popping up around the city for years now, and they’re so engaging. The beauty of these experiences is the variation in how you’re actually “immersed.” From visual and audio presentations taking up massive walls, to theatrical performances, to even one-of-a-kind dining experiences, there’s so many ways to dive head first into a mind-blowing escape from reality.
With that said, here’s our list of the best immersive experiences in NYC to check out right now:
1. ARTE MUSEUM
Located at 61 Chelsea Piers along Manhattan’s iconic waterfront, this immersive museum offers different exhibitions for every mood. Through cutting-edge digital installations, amazing contemporary art pieces come to life. Whether you’re an art lover or want to disconnect from the busy city, a visit to Arte Museum New York is a must.
📍61 Chelsea Piers
2. Banksy Museum
Calling all Banksy enthusiasts! Secure your spot to the largest collection of Banksy’s recreations and life-sized murals inspired by the artist. This enthralling exhibit filled with photo-ops and various rooms to step into is completely encompassing. Go behind the mind of the Banksy and like-minded artists in this thought-provoking exhibition. The Banksy Museum is only here for a limited time!
Buy your tickets to the Banksy Museum here!📍 277 Canal St
3. Mercer Labs
Mercer Labs boasts 15 experimental exhibition spaces, interactive encounters, and immersive installations, all curated by contemporary artists. Art and technology merge to change your perception and how you engage with creative pieces.
📍 21 Dey Str
4. The Jazz Room
Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or just getting into jazz, “The Jazz Room” whisks you away to the genre’s defining eras from its Dixieland beginnings to straight-ahead jazz. The Big Apple becomes The Big Easy at this 60-minute performance dedicated to the sounds of New Orleans and beyond! Escape the hustle and bustle of NYC at these incredible shows. Check out all upcoming “The Jazz Room” Shows in NYC here.
📍 235 W 46th St
5. ARTECHOUSE Presents: Blooming Wonders
For a floral fantasy like none other, “Blooming Wonders” delivers with high-resolution projections and interactive visuals that make the immersive garden pop. The 40-minute show is a larger-than-life representation of beautiful blooms that blend the best of nature and technology. When all is said and done, stop by the ARTECHOUSE XR Bar for a cocktail before venturing home. Get tickets now.
📍439 W 15th St
6. Candlelight concerts
There’s something incredibly magical about listening to live music by candlelight. Both the soothing sounds produced by talented musicians and the enchanting glow from a sea of candles is enough to leave you feeling enchanted, relaxed and ready for more.
In NYC, the Candlelight series is paying tribute to a host of singers, bands and composers at stunning venues like St. Ann & the Holy Trinity Church. Prepare to be dazzled by these spellbinding tribute concerts that celebrate some of the greatest artists in history.
7. Dining in the Dark
Looking for a unique food-focused immersion? Head to Dining in the Dark, a tasting experience that will have your tastebuds tingling and your curiosity peaking! After you choose a specific style menu, you’ll be blindfolded, helping your other senses leap to new heights as you try out a delicious curated meal. Not to mention that the venue is darkened and candlelit, you’ll be walking into a culinary journey like never before!
🍽️ Buy your tickets to Dining in the Dark here!
📍 11E 31st Street, Manhattan
8. Batman at Immersive Gamebox comes to life & you can snag a discount when you book
New York City becomes Gotham City! Grab a group of competitive loved ones and play this thrilling Batman game at Immersive Gamebox located at 81 Essex St. When booking tickets don’t forget to snag a 10% discount when using the code: SECRET10.
Take on notable characters like The Joker, The Riddler, Harley Quinn, Bane, and Poison Ivy with your crew. Solve puzzles, drive the Batmobile, scale buildings, and battle crime in this immersive group adventure available at over 30 locations worldwide — from Chicago and San Francisco to across the pond! Grab your discounted tickets here!
9. SuperFunland at The Museum of Sex
The Museum of Sex always has something exciting going on behind closed doors! Their latest exhibition, SuperFunland: Journey into the Erotic Carnival, is an interactive indoor adventure perfect for everyone! Get ready to jump into their 4-D immersive “Tunnel of Love” ride, an erotic fortune-telling machine (modeled as RuPaul), a mechanical bull, and a lit-up climbing structure. This is the perfect way to take the edge off!
📍 233 5th Ave
10. Drunk Shakespeare
Where art thou Romeo?! Perhaps another drink Juliette? Join the Drunk Shakespeare Society for an immersive night of classic Shakespearean evening of revelry, cocktails, performances, and more! Each show is uniquely different and it’s a hysterical way to watch the actors give raucous performances while slamming down shots of whiskey.
📜 Buy your tickets to Drunk Shakespeare here!
📍 125 Pearl St
11. Summit ONE Vanderbilt
Three levels of immersive spaces await at Summit ONE Vanderbilt. And for thrill-seekers, you can go higher with Ascent in the world’s largest external glass-bottomed elevator to see NYC through a completely new lens… if you dare.
📍 45 E 42nd St
12. Catacombs by Candlelight Tour
Immerse yourself into the legendary Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral as you unlock age-old secrets during this exclusive catacombs tour! In this experience, a tour guide will lead you through the hidden and off-limit areas of the church, telling you all about the history and spooky stories along the way. You’ll see the final resting places of famous New Yorkers who have left their mark on Catholic, New York, and American history first hand, as well as connect with the church’s past in a truly unique and unforgettable way!
⛪ Buy your tickets to the Catacombs tour here!
📍 263 Mulberry St
Curious what other exciting, interactive experiences await? Try your hand at the best escape rooms in NYC. Here’s hoping you make it out in time!