Mesmerize — Attraction in Austin

I had such a wonderful time at Mesmerize! The place has this whimsical Alice in Wonderland energy that makes it feel so special. The staff, especially Tori, were incredibly kind and welcoming. I truly appreciated how each art piece came with instructions and explanations, making it meaningful for both kids and adults. It’s a small space, but it’s filled with creativity and heart, and that makes it all the more worthwhile.

One of my favorite parts was the “Wall of Dreams,” where visitors can write in a journal—it’s such a lovely, personal touch. I also thought the hidden 11 aliens were a brilliant idea. If you find them all, you get a sticker! It’s not about the prize, but more about the joy of the quest. It kept the kids engaged and excited as they explored the different exhibits, while adults can appreciate the unique artwork and thoughtful design.

I really admired how hands-on the experience was—almost everything is touchable, which makes the art feel even more accessible to everyone. The staff really added to the experience, too. They were so helpful, taking the time to explain everything and offering their insights, which gave us a new perspective on the exhibits. I left feeling inspired and grateful for such a thoughtful and well-curated space.

Highly recommend Mesmerize to both kids and adults looking for a unique and...

I recently visited Mesmerize’s Living Dream, and I left feeling enchanted. The soothing music, participatory art, and vibrant fabrication made the entire experience feel like a blur between reality and fantasy. The clipboard poetry provided an interesting approach to guiding us through each activation. My favorite part was the small journals created as a wall of invitation, to pause and reflect on my own dreams. It felt personal and meaningful, rather than a mere exhibit to observe. The team skillfully designed the space. Even though the environment was relatively small, it felt open and infinite -- looping you to return to the different spaces. The clever placement of light, fabrication, and artwork made the space appear to stretch infinitely. One small installation, no bigger than a closet, suddenly felt boundless with reflections that echoed into the abyss. Overall, Living Dream felt like stepping into a parallel universe that encouraged me to reflect and imagine the secrets of an alternative reality. It was a creative environment, and I look forward to seeing what the artists will...

Plan to spend about 45 minutes experiencing this dreamy, immersive art installation. Although the building is sandwiched between a concrete plant and construction area, down a bumpy narrow side road, that all starts to fall away as you observe the fanciful paint jobs on the entire building that houses Mesmerize. When you enter the door for Mesmerize, check in at the desk, and get a helpful quick orientation for the experience. Then take your time looking, climbing, sitting, watching, crawling, searching for little nooks and big experiences alike. The overarching story of the act of dreaming coming under threat from a nefarious organization unites the different installations. My husband and I loved exploring the space. We went back through everything a second time, to search out little details in each space, and to read more of the dream diaries with visitor contributions written in them.

(I know that comparison is the thief of joy, BUT if you've been to Meow Wolf, this is a similar concept, in a...