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 it’s because they’re so interactive and engaging! The beauty of these experiences though is the variation in how you’re actually “immersed.” From visual/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. Bubble Planet: An Immersive Experience at American Dream
Get ready to step into a whole other world when Bubble Planet pops into the American Dream mall this June! Explore 10 magical bubble-themed rooms, snap epic photos against otherworldly backdrops, and have fun with your entire family. Only in town for a limited time, Bubble Planet has already impressed millions of fans worldwide, from Milan to L.A. Now, starting this June, you can enjoy it just outside the city! Plus, kids under 4 years old can experience it for free!
✨Grab your tickets to Bubble Planet here!
📍1 American Dream Wy, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
2. ARTECHOUSE
ARTECHOUSE is one of NYC’s leading immersive art spaces, and right now they are putting on an exhibit titled World of AI·magination. Blurring the line between human creativity and artificial imagination, visitors are welcome to step inside their experience to admire dynamic visuals that redefine the boundaries between art and technology. Learn more about the exhibit and ARTECHOUSE here.
🎨 Buy tickets to ARTECHOUSE here!
📍439 W 15th St
3. Odd Man Out
Go on this adventure that challenges all of your senses at the immersive show called Odd Man Out. The experience is in NYC for a limited time in June and July and tickets are available, don’t miss out on this psychologically thrilling show! Board PITCHBLACK AIRLINES this summer for an incredible voyage in total darkness!
🩷Buy tickets to Odd Man Out here!
📍The Sheen Center for Thought and Culture (18 Bleecker St.).
4. Trolls x CAMP
Looking for the perfect family-friendly immersive experience? Head to the CAMP store on Fifth Ave where they’re leading an immersive Trolls experience. This one-of-a-kind musical adventure brings the movie to life and allows kids to enjoy interactive activities, a live Trollpop conceert, locations from the Trolls world, and more! Learn more about the experience here.
📍110 5th Ave
5. Banksy Museum
Calling all Banksy enthusiasts! Secure your spot to the largest collection of Banksy’s artwork as well as 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
6. 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!
📍 111 N 12th St, Brooklyn
7. 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
8. 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, from Taylor Swift and Coldplay to Vivaldi and Bach. Prepare to be dazzled by these spellbinding tribute concerts that celebrate some of the greatest artists in history.
🕯️Check out all upcoming Candlelight concerts in NYC 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!
❤️ Buy your tickets to the SuperFunland exhibition here!
📍 233 5th Ave
10. 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