It’s difficult to describe the adventure we went on this summer when we visited Meow Wolf in Denver, Colorado. We were on our big family summer road trip, headed across the United States. Along the way, we stopped to see cool things. Meow Wolf came highly recommended.
What is Meow Wolf?
The name is a bit of a puzzle. When a random stranger stopped by our table in Arkansas and recommended we visit Meow Wolf, I thought he said, “Meow, Woof.”
Even he could not describe what he was sending us to. When I asked if my kids ages 5 – 12 would all have fun, he just told me that his 12-year-old grandson had autism and he loved Meow Wolf.
When we arrived in Denver, the digital ads began on all of my social media networks and every time I mentioned Meow Wolf to a relative or friend, everyone said I should go, but everyone seemed at a loss for words when I asked what it was.
Meow Wolf opened their first location in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and quickly expanded to other locations. When you visit, you’ll find immersive and interactive art installations that combine intricate narratives, surreal environments, and a variety of media. These installations are massive, and multidimensional, and often invite participants to touch, explore, and become an active part of the storytelling experience.
Each Meow Wolf location has a different theme. Although, theme isn’t really the correct word. There’s a story plot that guests can follow and take part in. But there’s no specific path, it’s a non-linear narrative. You’ll choose your own way and find secrets and hidden things along the way.
Meow Wolf Denver Convergence Station
The Denver location is called Convergence Station and is described as a “real-life sci-fi neutopia”. It’s a 90,000-square-foot adventure that spans four floors with 80 different art installations created by 300 different artists. The art installations are thematic and intentional.
The best way I can describe it for someone from Indianapolis to get a little bit of a grasp on what to expect would be, Conner Prairie meets the Lume at Newfields, meets the City Museum in St. Louis, meets an escape room.
There are actors portraying an obscure storyline (like the re-enactors at Conner Prairie), there are tunnels and doors and random adventures to take (like the City Museum), there’s interactive, multi-sensory art to be a part of (a little bit like the Lume). But honestly, there’s just nothing like this anywhere I’ve ever been.
Meow Wolf Denver Secrets
If you want to add to your experience, there’s an option to pay an extra $3 and get a QPASS which unlocks secrets and hidden “easter eggs” throughout the journey. You’ll use it at “Memory ATMs” to unlock the memories of the citizens of each world you visit. You only need one for your whole family.
The QPASS is optional. We purchased one but then only used it a few times. Our family had enough stimulation just to explore the different worlds. We will use it the next time we go back.
This could be an all-day adventure for your family. We had three hours and this wasn’t enough to see everything. I wish we could have stayed for another hour or two, but we’ll certainly have to come back.
Meow Wolf is fantastic for all ages. Everyone in our family had fun and we can’t wait to see other locations when we visit those cities.
Food and beverages, including beer and wine, are available for purchase at the HELLOFOOD Cafe & Bar. You’ll find ice cream, rice bowls, and more.
Meow Wolf Denver Convergence Station Hours
Meow Wolf in Denver is open 7 days a week. Hours vary due to weather, demand, and special events. Typically you can expect that Meow Wolf Denver is open until 9 or 10 pm on weekdays and midnight on weekends.
Meow Wolf Denver Convergence Station Ticket Prices
Ticket prices are about $50 for ages 13 and up, and $50 for military and children ages 4 – 12 years. Children 3 years old and under are free. Discounts are available on specific dates and for Colorado residents.
Where to park at Meow Wolf Denver Convergence Station
Paid parking at Meow Wolf is available in the 650 Walnut St. garage and at the 1338 1st St. entrance. Expect to spend $10-20 on parking and walk about seven minutes. On NFL game days, parking is extremely difficult and may not be available in these locations. Don’t visit on a game day!
How many Meow Wolf locations are there?
There are four Meow Wolf locations and a fifth location was just announced for Houston, Texas. More locations are forthcoming. Currently, you can visit Meow Wolf in Santa Fe, Denver, Las Vegas, and Grapevine. Each theme and narrative is very different.
Meow Wolf Denver Photos
Meow Wolf’s most famous installation is “The House of Eternal Return,” which opened in Santa Fe in 2016 with financial backing from “Game of Thrones” author George R.R. Martin. This immersive and expansive experience is set inside a large facility, where visitors can explore a Victorian house and discover numerous fantastical and surreal environments hidden within. The entire space is a sort of mystery and puzzle, allowing guests to piece together a larger narrative by interacting with the art and environment.
Meow Wolf’s success in Santa Fe has led them to expand to other cities, aiming to bring their unique blend of storytelling, art, and interactive entertainment to a broader audience.
Overall, Meow Wolf represents a fusion of art galleries, playgrounds, and mystery novels, making it a distinctive and influential entity in the world of immersive art and entertainment.
