AREA15’s Immersive Wonders Unfold Just off the Las Vegas Strip

Although the term “immersive” is admittedly overused, it’s perfectly apropos when applied to Las Vegas’ over-the-top AREA15, the massive art and entertainment complex located just west of the Strip.

Although difficult to categorize, AREA15 may best be described as a mash-up of an eclectic art exhibit and an otherworldly, neon-drenched multiverse of technology and mind-bending experiences that thrives in mostly-indoor event spaces sprawled over almost 40 acres. And, since this is Vegas, food, beverage and shopping outlets are sprinkled throughout the giant “retailtainment” district. Originally launched about 5 years ago, the venue has grown rapidly, doubling in size since its inception. Admission is free, and although there’s art and architecture to admire, the “experiences” come with a cost, which is quite reasonable considering the scope and breadth of activities, events and attractions here.

Ticket packages covering single- and multi-day visits range in price from $49 – $250, with a corresponding, sliding scale of entries to attractions. But the Level 2 Access Pass (from $69 – $99, depending on day, time and discount level) hits the sweet spot, allowing guests to take in a representative array of 18 of the most popular experiences, rides and attractions.

Zone 1: The Bunkers

The original building, aka Zone 1: The Bunkers, houses the bulk of the smaller experiences in a neon-bathed, fantastically-decorated, multi-level space. Among them, Birdly, a VR flight simulator, gives prone riders the sensation of flying – while flapping their wings – through virtual cities, while families with small children will appreciate the multiple neon-lit, infinity landscapes presented at Wink World.

For nostalgic gamers, the vintage pinball machines – lovingly restored and kept functioning by a dedicated mechanic – bring back memories and create new ones at the two-level Asylum Bar & Arcade (tokens are included in the Level 2 Access Pass). And in the category of competitive socializing, Dueling Axes offers 18 lanes of axe throwing where guests can take their frustrations out on the target – rather than each other. Meanwhile, for deep thinkers, Brainstorm’s reaction centers purport to reflect visitors’ thoughts, hopes and dreams as their bodies move to create response patterns. But the anchor attraction inside the original AREA15 building is Omega Mart, New Mexico-based Meow Wolf’s surreal, psychedelic and immersive art installation, conveniently masquerading as a grocery store.

The “products” on the shelves all display clever wordplay while also providing clues to the larger, storytelling theme here. But it’s the hidden portals (visitors should look for the door to a walk-in cooler) that open to large, multi-sensory experiences leading to wildly creative spaces and art installations that all feed a deep story narrative that may be followed – or not. In essence, Omega Mart may be enjoyed on the surface or more deeply, but it’s certainly worth spending a couple of hours to discover the wonders that Meow Wolf claims are “in store” for you.

Just outside the Zone 1 building, another large, dedicated structure houses The John Wick Experience, where devotees of the John Wick thriller franchise are dropped into a setting with

the look and feel of the danger lurking at The Continental, the fictitious, luxury hotel chain that doubles as a sanctuary for the criminal underworld. The experience transports guests into the action-packed world of the legendary assassin, featuring interactive elements, themed set pieces and cinematic storytelling.

Zone 2: The Terminals

In the new Zone 2: The Terminals, guests can’t miss the front half of a Boeing 747 jet jutting out the side of the building. Nearby, Universal Destinations and Experiences’ first-ever, year-round horror experience, Universal Horror Unleashed, is now open. Inside, multiple haunted houses bring to life visitors’ worst nightmares with movie-themed scares from “The Exorcist: Believer,” “Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” and the company’s original “Scarecrow: The Reaping” concept.

Interstellar Arc is a VR Tour-de-Force

But even among those and AREA15’s other large-format attractions and experiences – which are all impressive, Interstellar Arc outperforms in a virtual-reality tour-de-force that takes VR to another level via a complete immersion of the senses that has guests believing that they’re visiting a far-away, futuristic world.

The one-hour experience begins as small groups of guests are fitted with VR headsets while listening to the staff’s careful and thorough introduction to the use of the technology. But once the headsets are activated, the immediate transition to an alternate, mind-blowing world – a world set centuries in the future and light-years from Earth – is spectacularly impressive.

The fully-immersive experience unfolds inside a 20,000-square-foot, custom-built venue featuring cutting-edge visuals (including real-life NASA/ISS imagery), interactive environments and sensory world-building that goes far beyond previous virtual-reality iterations. In fact, the experience would easily qualify as sensory overload if it wasn’t so gorgeously realistic.

Meanwhile, the HEXO spacesuits worn by participants are extremely detailed, providing functionality including a photo camera and a communication interface that provides a connection to fellow travelers. Virtual handrails throughout the “voyage” correspond to physical ones, which help to establish orientation as you’re guided on the journey by a blue fox with mesmerizing eyes.

Ultimately, the entire experience transports us to a world that is as beautiful as it is creative, as disorienting as it is ethereal, and one that we can’t stop thinking about after coming back to our now-seemingly mundane Earth.

AREA15 also hosts block parties, raves, massives and special events regularly. Details, pricing and an event calendar can be found at https://area15.com/