Considering immersive and experiential art has grown in the US by 7% each year since 2017, it's no surprise that Las Vegas, Nevada was eager to get on board. With a reputation as a fast-paced, high-energy tourist destination for which there are seemingly endless offerings in the form of exceptional food and entertainment, the desert city tends to be ahead of the pack when it comes to emergent industries, including arts and culture.

If you’re like us, a visit to a new city means the opportunity to seek out cool art experiences. In our quest to identify fascinating immersive art nationwide, one arts and entertainment district in Las Vegas, known as AREA15, specifically caught our attention. If you've been curious about immersive art and what it's all about, this arts and entertainment conglomeration is one you may want to include on your must-see list.

“Trust the Plan” by UGallery artist Barbara “Barbsie” Safronova

Conceptualized by Fisher Brothers and Beneville Studios, AREA15 founders Winston Fisher and Michael Beneville recognized that for a new entertainment district to gain traction in Vegas, it had to deliver dynamic and novel opportunities in order to compete with the bright lights and multifaceted casino experiences of the strip. With this in mind, Fisher and Beneville developed the experiential entertainment and retail complex that includes dozens of engaging exhibits and installations from which to choose, several of which we've highlighted below.

Immersive art and interactive experiences

Museum Fiasco

Right off the bat, we're intrigued by the name of this immersive light and sound spectacular, which opened within the AREA15 Las Vegas in the last several years. Perhaps best described as contemporary art meets electronic dance music, Museum Fiasco incorporates light and music within an expansive 5,000-square-foot warehouse-like facility. Pillars interspersed among the vast spaces pulsate with flashing LED lights and rhythmic sound as part of the "Cluster" exhibit, which features three different shows a day.

Meow Wolf's Omega Mart

The brilliance of immersive art experiences is how the viewer becomes part of the story. And no one does immersive storytelling quite as well as Meow Wolf. AREA15's Omega Mart is Meow Wolf's second installation following its original Santa Fe location.

“Silly Rabbit” by UGallery artist Karen Barton

As you enter its doors, at first glance Omega Mart mimics an ordinary grocery mart, but as per usual for the masterminds behind Meow Wolf, nothing is quite what it seems. The faux-cery store instead offers a series of hidden portals to unusual places and spaces which take patrons on extraordinary and unpredictable journeys.

Wink World

This psychedelic art house was created by Chris Wink, one of the co-founders and producers behind the Vegas phenomenon Blue Man Group. Wink World features six infinity mirror rooms, each producing a unique yet mesmerizing mix of bold light, color, and musical patterns, cultivating a mind-blowing feast for your senses.

Dining and other engaging endeavors

Perhaps you've worked up an appetite after your simulated shopping experience for faux food at the Omega Mart. You're in luck because there are real food and drink venues aplenty at AREA15, with a wide variety of culinary options spanning over half a dozen restaurants and bars.

Oddwood

There is nothing run-of-the-mill about any of the dining and cocktail options in AREA15, as each offers an interesting take on the immersive theme. We recommend checking out Oddwood Bar for both the craft cocktails and the creative ambiance, including a 23-foot tall glistening maple tree with pulsating music and corresponding flashing lights.

We've only scratched the surface with regard to the many engaging activities one can partake in at AREA15. Options include but aren’t limited to popular recreational attractions such as ax throwing, five iron golf, and rides including one which mimics the avian experience of flight.

WHAT TO KNOW IF YOU GO:

AREA15 is located at 3215 South Rancho Dr, Las Vegas, NV

General admission tickets are typically sold separately for each unique event and venue within AREA15, although the ticketing site sells bundled packages as well.