Philadelphia is leveling up its entertainment game with a wave of immersive experiences that trade ordinary nights out for mind-bending adventures. At least a dozen new venues have popped up in and around the city, promising to push imagination to its limits.
From virtual reality quests to multi-sensory art installations, Philly’s newest playgrounds are designed to transport you far beyond the everyday. Here’s your guide to the city’s immersive experience scene.
F1 Arcade
F1 Arcade recently opened its 19,200-square-foot location at 1330 Chestnut Street, in the heart of Center City. Featuring 80 F1 racing simulators, it combines high-speed thrills with food and drinks. The best part of it all? On Watch Party days, those who purchase packages can enjoy unlimited sim racing before the pros get on the real track, plus check out competitions, quizzes for prizes, and live entertainment after the races to keep the experience going. It’s all meant to bring F1 fans (and new spectators) together under one roof.
Sandbox VR
Sandbox VR, on the other hand, offers a full-body virtual reality experience, strapping players with VR headsets, wrist trackers, ankle trackers and haptic vests. The venue, located at 1712 Walnut Street, has five interactive rooms called “holodecks,” where 3D motion capture cameras line the ceilings and two to six players can team up to fend off digital zombies or survive ‘Squid Game’.
The Universal Sphere
Located in the upper lobby of the Comcast Technology Center, The Universal Sphere brings the cinematic vision of Steven Spielberg and DreamWorks Animation to life in a dome theatre experience, with shows updated seasonally. Expect mild movement, lights and sound during the 15-minute timed show. Tickets are free, and reservations are available online. (Note: The Universal Sphere will be temporarily offline in September for maintenance.)
Beat the Bomb
Beat the Bomb, located at 1218 Chestnut Street, allows adventure seekers to step into a real-life video game with immersive, high-energy games where teams race against the clock to solve puzzles and escape before the “bomb” goes off.
Five Iron Golf
At Five Iron Golf, golf enthusiasts can work out kinks and flaws in their swing by using Trackman simulators and best-in-class golf technology, including custom golf club fittings via Callaway Tour Fitting. The immersive indoor playground, located at 1717 Arch Street, also features a full bar and restaurant and big-screen TVs.
Netflix House
Netflix House is slated to open later this year at the King of Prussia Mall, and will take visitors through more than 100,000 square feet of “first-of-their-kind immersive story-driven experiences” that explore hit shows and movies like ‘Stranger Things’, ‘Wednesday’ and ‘Bridgerton’.
Time Mission
Time Mission (opening soon at 1534 Chestnut St.) has teams embark on a time-travel journey, racing through 25+ unique portals across the past, present, and future, all while collecting points and battling the clock. Teams of two to five players will climb castles, dodge lasers, find tunnels, crack codes and solve riddles.
Alloy Atelier
Alloy Atelier is a jewelry and metalworking studio that recently opened on the ground floor of South Philadelphia’s Bok Building (821 Dudley Street). Alloy Atelier offers one-day workshops and weeks-long classes, allowing you to try your hand at making earrings, bracelets, rings and more, all with hands-on, step-by-step guidance from experienced artists. Don’t miss their special-edition charms workshop where you can craft a one-of-a-kind pendant inspired by the Phillies’ iconic “P” design.
Dining in the Dark
Dining in the Dark offers adventurous diners a three-course dinner menu while blindfolded. The experience is sure to test even the most refined palates, encouraging guests to fully tap into their senses of taste and smell. The swanky 52nd Floor of the Pyramid Club (1735 Market Street) gets transformed into an upscale restaurant, featuring three curated menu options: Red (meat), Blue (seafood) and Green (vegan).
Museum of Illusions
The Museum of Illusions (401 Market Street) offers an exciting and unique experience where visitors can explore the boundaries between reality and perception. This immersive museum features a wide array of optical illusions, holograms and interactive exhibits designed to challenge the senses and spark curiosity.
Otherworld
Otherworld Philadelphia blends the science fiction and fantasy worlds into one immersive art experience. Located in Northeast Philadelphia and spanning 40,000 square feet, guests can explore 55 rooms and uncover ancient secrets in the fabled “City of Atam” where nothing is ever as it seems, with galleries and hallways paved with art and mixed media from top immersive artists like Jennifer Burns, Charlie Lynch, Oleksandra, Julia Kim, Justin Geller and Jadon George.
Wonderspaces Philadelphia
Wonderspaces Philadelphia (27 N. 11th Street) is a dynamic, immersive art exhibition showcasing a curated collection of interactive and visually captivating installations. This appointment-only learning adventure offers visitors a rare opportunity to engage with cutting-edge art across multiple mediums, blending technology, creativity and storytelling.
