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When Meow Wolf opened in 2016, it instantly became a “must-see” destination for New Mexicans and tourists alike. Next, the Santa Fe-based collective set its sights on a rapid expansion plan to include huge new experiences in Las Vegas, Denver and possibly DC and Texas.
First up: Omega Mart in Las Vegas. This huge Meow Wolf attraction is set to be one of the anchors of the new immersive experience complexes called Area 15 (a play on Area 51. Get it?). Even before it opens it is already hyped as one of the top reasons to travel in 2021 (post-vaccine, of course).
The Omega Mart experience officially opens next Thursday, February 18th, but here’s a preview.
What is Omega Mart?
According to Meow Wolf, Omega Mart is an interactive, mind-bending art experience. Participants explore an extraordinary supermarket that bursts into surreal worlds and unexpected landscapes. It features jaw-dropping work from international and local artists, including many New Mexico artists local Meow Wolf fans will recognize.
As a sign of just how excited people are for this, the preview video has had more than 1,000,000 views on YouTube alone.
The storyline is built around Dramcorp, a mysterious corporate entity that seems to be involved in some pretty unconventional research and development (insert Area 51 connection here) while also operating a grocery store. We think.
At first glance, Omega Mart appears to be a normal grocery store where visitors can browse and shop just like they do at home in their corner market.
Fun Fact: Before the Meow Wolf team built the huge House of Eternal Return they did a pop-up installation in an old gas station? Omega Mart in LV is a nod to those early MW beginnings.
But pretty soon, something strange begins to happen between the potato chips and watermelons.
What is in it?
The lobby entrance (we think).
There is this trippy room.
And another trippy room you can find by walking through a freezer.
And this insanely colorful and intricate mural along some stairs to who knows where.
And there’s this weird thing in the milk aisle.
And there is this weird stuff on the Spreads/Home Improvement aisle.
And this psychedelic meat in the deli.
And this who knows what who knows where.
And this.
And this hallway.
Meow Wolf’s team of artistans have labored for years to create their first expansion site in Las Vegas. To stand out in the entertainment capital of the world it has to be big and, well, amazing. If these previews are any indication, it will be both.
Tickets are on sale now.
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