AREA15

The basics

Experiential art and design are at the heart of AREA15 and that’s obvious from the moment you step into the airlock-styled entryway and encounter the giant alien skull. Inside, the Omega Mart—an immersive art experience by the psychedelic collective Meow Wolf—transforms a surrealist supermarket into a bizarre, interactive wonderland. Wink World is a psychedelic funhouse with six infinity mirrored rooms. Explore the links between space, time, and perception at Museum Fiasco or enjoy your favorite art in rippling color at the Van Gogh Experience.

Other attractions run from VR and alternate reality (AR) games to the Lost Spirits distillery and The Beast food hall. There is a range of entrance packages available, as well as tickets for individual attractions. If you want to experience a specific attraction, booking online ahead of time is essential.

Things to know before you go

• AREA15 is open to all ages, with the exception of weekend evenings when the age limit rises to 21.

• Some families have found some exhibits too much for their kids; exercise caution when exploring with younger children.

• With its stunning art installations and light tunnels, it is a mecca for Instagrammers; however, use of professional equipment requires a permit.

• AREA15 is fully accessible to wheelchairs, but some experiences require people who use wheelchairs to exit their chairs.

• The barrage of colors and lights means AREA15 is unsuitable for people with epilepsy or sensory issues.

• While general admission is free during daytime hours (AREA15 tickets are not required), securing an Access Level 0 or Access Level 1 pass in advance is recommended.

How to get there

AREA15 sits just off Interstate 15 near Desert Inn Road, about 1 mile (1.5 kilometers) north of the Vegas Strip. It’s easy to reach by taxi or rideshare, and self-drivers can park there for free. As so often in Vegas, public transport is tricky. The 203 and 104 buses connect to different sections of The Strip and drop off at different stops about a 10 minutes walk from AREA15.

When to get there

Air-conditioned and undercover, AREA15 offers respite from Vegas’ summer heat. It’s open from noon until late on weekdays and from mid-morning until the small hours on weekends. Visit midweek during the day for shorter lines and at weekends and evenings for more energy. Entrance is restricted to over 21s after 10pm, and a door charge applies after 10pm on weekends.

Meow Wolf and Omega Mart

Spanning a whopping 52,000 square feet (4,830 square meters), Omega Mart is AREA15’s star attraction. Created by the Meow Wolf arts production collective, it delivers a storyline spanning more than 100,000 years. Founded in Santa Fe in 2008, Meow Wolf also offers permanent exhibits in Santa Fe (The House of Eternal Return) and Denver (Convergence Station).

Ways to explore

AREA15 is all about play, and many of its exhibits combine technology with creativity to coax out your inner child. Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart is a must-do, but it is very popular, so book your tickets in advance. Many attractions rely on virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), including AR dodgeball, a zombie-fighting game called Army of the Dead, and Birdly, a flight simulator. Bundled packages range from Level 1 access, which includes nine attractions, to Level 4, which grants access to all of the experiences and rides, including Meow Wolf.

Accessibility

AREA15 is fully accessible to individuals using wheelchairs, but some experiences may require them to exit their wheelchairs. Strobe lights and synthetic fog are part of many exhibits.

Age limits

Kids are welcome, except on Friday and Saturday after 8pm, when access is limited to the 18-and-over crowd. While many attractions are geared toward children, some are better suited to teens and adults.

What to pack

Small bags, empty water bottles to refill

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, clothes that you can move around in, sweater (if you’re sensitive to air-conditioning)

Not allowed

Weapons, outside food and beverages, large bags (lockers are available for a fee)

Amenities

Restrooms, food stands, gift shops

Address

AREA15 sits just off Interstate 15 near Desert Inn Road, about a 10-minute drive from the Las Vegas Strip and 15 minutes from the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Driving

It’s easy to drive to AREA15. Parking is free; however, the lot can fill up during peak times. Valet parking is also available—for a fee—at AREA15’s south lot.

Public transportation

Taking a rideshare or taxi may be the best option if you don’t have a car, as the nearest bus stops are around a 15-minute walk away. Shuttle 14 connects AREA15 to Planet 13 and runs Thursday–Sunday.

Best times to visit

Visit in the early afternoon for fewer crowds. If you want to avoid kids, come on a Friday or Saturday evening, when the space is adults-only.

Best days to visit

To avoid crowds, visit AREA15 on a weekday during the school year, when tweens and teens are back in class.

Best months to visit

Any month is a good month to visit AREA15, and this air-conditioned space is a great place to cool off from the sweltering summer heat.

Special events

Parties and special events take place from time to time, typically on weekends. Check the AREA15 website for updated details.