Meow Wolf
Once an ambitious visual and musical arts collective, Meow Wolf is now a dazzling multimillion-dollar arts complex located inside the shell of a former bowling alley (with much of the funding coming from Santa Fe–based Game of Thrones author George R. R. Martin). Visitors flock to the arts complex's first permanent exhibition: a self-billed "immersive art installation"House of Eternal Return, an interactive phenomenon that has become one of the city's leading attractions. Give yourself at least a couple of hours to tour this sci-fi-inspired, 20,000-square-foot interactive exhibit in which you'll encounter hidden doorways, mysterious corridors, ambient music, and clever, surrealistic, and often slyly humorous artistic renderings. It's a strange and enchanting experience, wildly imaginative, occasionally eerie, and absolutely family-friendly. Tickets are good throughout the day—you can leave and reenter the installation, and perhaps break up the experience by enjoying a light bite and craft beer at the lobby bar/café. Be aware that the experience is highly sensory and can be a little overstimulating for those who are sensitive to noise, changing lighting, and crowds. Meow Wolf is open until 8 most evenings and 10 on Friday and Saturday. It's also a frequent venue for sold-out music concerts.
