Explore Meow Wolf’s New Immersive Space in Los Angeles

Meow Wolf, known for its unique immersive art experiences, is set to debut a new installation in Los Angeles. Scheduled to open in late 2026, the exhibition will occupy a former Cinemark movie theater at the Howard Hughes entertainment complex in West L.A.

Meow Wolf’s Journey and Vision

Founded over a decade ago in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Meow Wolf has expanded to cities like Denver, Las Vegas, Houston, and Dallas. The collective aims to merge theme park interactivity with outsider art, providing an experience that immerses visitors in a vivid, sensory environment.

Concept and Design

The Los Angeles installation will kick off in a fantastical movie theater, featuring a concession stand with animated candy. Sean Di Ianni, Meow Wolf’s co-founder, revealed plans for translucent seats that seem to float and will utilize light and sound to create an ethereal atmosphere.

This exhibition is particularly significant as it represents a rebirth for Meow Wolf, which recently navigated challenging layoffs. The team aims to revitalize the story experience, making it more coherent with a defined beginning, middle, and end.

Exploring Themes and Narratives

• The exhibition will incorporate a storyline centered around an intergalactic roadside attraction.
• Visitors will explore various settings, including a spaceship’s hull and a unique greasy spoon restaurant.

Recognizing Los Angeles as a hub for dreams and broken dreams, the exhibition aims to connect visitors through themes of pilgrimage and community. The installation will feature both familiar characters and new creations, with a focus on the cultural significance of storytelling in the city.

Interactive Elements and Audience Engagement

Meow Wolf’s Los Angeles space will utilize interactive installations, including a “reverse escape room” where groups collaborate to uncover hidden areas. Creative director Elizabeth Jarrett emphasizes the audience’s role in advancing the story. Guests will engage with the environment, activating narrative moments through their participation.

Local Artistic Collaboration

Meow Wolf is collaborating with numerous local artists to showcase their work amid the exhibition. Notable among them is Gabriela Ruiz, who is creating a vibrant insect installation that serves as a quirky periscope. The goal is to create a commentary on the relevance of social media and the influence of storytelling in contemporary culture.

Conclusion

As Meow Wolf prepares for its landmark Los Angeles opening, it aims to redefine entertainment and artistic exploration. By transforming a traditional movie theater into an engaging art playground, Meow Wolf invites visitors to reflect on their personal narratives while embracing the playful spirit of storytelling.