After our visit to Omega Mart Las Vegas, we have been asked repeatably … what is it? Here’s the thing – It’s nearly impossible to explain because it is unlike anything you have ever seen. Period. Omega Mart could be labeled an immersive art exhibit, a wonderous playground, a mind-bending maze, an adventure in storytelling, or a multimedia masterpiece, and they would all be correct. Omega Mart is not just “One thing” at all. Which is exactly what makes it so incredible. It’s this conglomeration of ideas and brilliant creativity that make the Omega Mart experience stand in a totally new, fantastical realm.
It is unique, trippy, exciting, perplexing, and the most creative and outrageous art experience you will likely ever witness. It must be seen to be believed and immediately added to your must-do list. Ready to enter the portal? Come along as we explore Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart Las Vegas.
Behind the Wolf
Meow Wolf burst onto the scene in 2008 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. It started with a small, informal group of artists who felt like outsiders of the traditional art market. They dreamed of creating an alternative scene for weird and wonderfully creative art. At their very first meeting, everyone wrote two words on pieces of scrap paper and put them into a hat. They then picked two random words to get “Meow” and “Wolf.” The collective was born.
The group’s goal was to create immersive, multimedia experiences that encourage audience participation and allow visitors to explore fantastical worlds of storytelling. They started with a few small local installations before realizing it needed to be something more sustainable and more significant. In 2016 Meow Wolf received financial backing and created an ambitious, large-scale, immersive experience, unlike anything the world has seen. The experiment was an instant hit. In 2018, Time Out placed it fourth on its list of “the best things to do in the world right now.”
Today, there are three experiences – the original House of Eternal Return in Santa Fe, Convergence Station in Denver, and Omega Mart in Las Vegas. More to come! There are rumors of a Washington DC location, along with a new immersive experience in Phoenix, soon.
AREA15 Las Vegas
Omega Mart is located in AREA15, the world’s first-ever experimental art, entertainment, and event complex. This gigantic creative playground offers an electric mix of immersive experiences. Larger-than-life installations, art shows, restaurants, and more can be found in this innovative world.
Here you can throw an ax, race on a zip line, try out a flight simulator, see an art exhibit or participate in VR. Hungry? Grab a seat at the restaurant under a pulsating digital tree or ice cream parlor treat. From the futuristic to the thrill-seeking, there’s truly an experience here for everyone. AREA15 buzzes with imagination and creativity. Do not miss this.
Omega Mart – Not Your Average Grocery Store
Omega Mart is a gigantic 52,000 square-foot experience that features four themed areas and 60 additional installation-filled rooms made by more than 325 artists.
Your Omega Mart adventure starts in a grocery store… or does it? After careful examination, you will find that it isn’t a grocery store at all. While modeled to resemble a big box food emporium, the fun (and hilarious) products include items such as “Wake Up, Please! Energy Drink” and “Whale Song Antiperspirant/Antidepressant,” “Dehydrated Water,” and “Tattooed Chicken.” Look even closer, and you will find hidden portals into surreal worlds and unexpected landscapes. All of which will have you begging – what is this place?
Into the Portal
There is no prearranged path to Omega Mart – here, you enter and discover at your own pace. Several entrances, exits, hidden rooms, and experiences can be discovered throughout the space. It’s a maze of corridors, platforms, and hidden doors – a choose your own adventure game in real-life form. For example, you may find a refrigerator that is a teleportation device. That door? It’s hiding a slide. Under that tree? There’s a rope to climb! One hallway has several doors – be sure to open each! You’ll find a crazy array of rooms that are so insanely beautiful it will take your breath away. It is wild, perplexing, and fascinating.
During our visit, we tried to discover as many rooms as possible. However, I am CERTAIN that many were missed. This is what makes Omega Mart so unique – you can (and many do) make several visits.
A New Dimension of Storytelling
Omega Mart is not just an interactive, mind-bending immersive art experience; it is also a brilliant story. As you explore, you may encounter the Dramcorp Offices. Is this the fictional corporate entity behind Omega Mart? What can you uncover about this strange company? One way to explore Omega Mart is to seek out the narrative through letters, clues, and diaries embedded throughout the experience. You can choose to stop and read these and unravel the story or just stroll through the art and unworldly portals and soak in the immersive experience in all its weird glory. As it was our first time, we decided to take it in at our own pace; however, we are already planning a second trip to learn more about the mysterious operations of Dramcorp.
Out of this World Cocktails
Exploring can make you thirsty. If you look closely, you will find a bar dubbed Datamosh. It is unmarked and hidden to the side, which makes finding it a fun surprise. And, of course, it’s not a typical bar by any means. Here you will find novelty drinks that are peculiar and delicious, and that continue the wild visual effects found in the experience.
What’s the best drink? One top contender is Old Fashioned Spray; a bright blue 118 proof whisky served in a “Windex-style” spray bottle. The Source cocktail is the pièce de résistance, with a photo-worthy, smoke-filled bubble.
Tips for your Visit – Omega Mart Las Vegas
- Plan ahead! Omega Mart is a wildly popular experience and often sells out in advance.
- What age is best? Seriously, Omega Mart is for everyone. From young and old and everything in between, there is something here for every age. We saw grandparents and toddlers exploring (and enjoying) the experience.
- Plan for being there a long time! Most stay for 2+ hours. We were there longer. We suggest putting snacks and water in your bags for the kids.
- Bring your phone but leave the rest at home. GoPros, selfie sticks, and other professional-grade photography equipment are prohibited.
- There is no time limit. Once you’re inside the exhibit, you are free to explore at your own pace.
- The Bar is only 21+ and over. Younger guests can enter as long as they are seated at a table.
- Don’t wear sandals! Closed-toe, closed-heel shoes are needed to use the slide.
- Guests must be 48″ tall to ride the slides.
- Open everything, and pay attention to what others are doing! Work together to help each other explore and discover. Secret doors, portals, and unique video dimensions are at every turn.
Omega Mart Las Vegas
3215 S. Rancho Dr.
Las Vegas, NV 89102
Ready to enter the portal? Get your tickets HERE.
Thank you, Meow Wolf for sponsoring our visit. As always, all opinions and reviews are our own.
