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Step into another world when you visit Meow Wolf’s new immersive art experience, “The Real Unreal.”
Opening for all ages and individuals on July 14, the exhibit invites viewers to interact with displays as they explore the unknown and depart with unique, customized impressions. As many large-scale department stores struggle, retail operators are left looking for ways to draw in those looking for shopping, dining and entertainment options.
That’s the sweet spot Grapevine Mills expects to fill with the opening of Meow Wolf’s latest endeavor, “The Real Unreal.” The artistic environment blends leisure and entertainment, keeping with the new era of consumerism at what was once a Bed Bath & Beyond.
“We’re always, even in ways that can’t be seen, pushing the boundaries and trying to do something harder than what we’ve done before,” says Dale Sheehan, Meow Wolf’s executive creative director.
Noted as the corporation’s most ambitious project yet, the 29,000-square-foot space took four years to construct and features 70 art installations, including rooms, portals and wormholes that transcend traditional expectations.
In one of the many displays, 1950’s era refrigerator doors line the walls and transport guests into several hidden rooms in “BRRMUDA,” each with its own thematic focus — paletas, food inventory, a convenience store, a disco llama and creature-like formations resembling the hit Netflix show “Stranger Things.”
The art collective’s fourth edition makes for a vivid, colorful and fantastical adventure. While visitors venture into surreal scenes, a storyline unfolds, surrounding the multiverse narrative created throughout previous locations in Santa Fe, Denver and Las Vegas.
“This one [exhibit] does exactly that, which is to start to lay the foundation and connect our stories between exhibitions,” Dale says.
The North Texas location is a new horizon for the growing art collective. Since it is the first to arrive in the state, “The Real Unreal” showcases the work of 38 Texan-based artists alongside numerous contributing creators.
“A lot of our people come from Texas — it’s always been close to our hearts,” Dale mentions, “That said, there’s also an amazingly vibrant art community here.”
As the newest member of the community, Meow Wolf brings forth values of inclusivity, transparency and social responsibility so that individuals, groups and families can feel comfortable in spaces of expression.
Upon arrival, security checks all bags to ensure that no weapons, vapes or other prohibited items are taken into the exhibit, cafe or souvenir area. The entire Meow Wolf venue is accessible for disabled persons, featuring several elevators, ramps and railings.
Tickets start at $45 and are available at MeowWolf.com/Grapevine.