Our visit to The Looking Glass Immersive Art Experience was enjoyable, but we couldn’t help but feel that it was a bit smaller than anticipated. There were seven of us—four adults, one child, and two infants (who were free). The entrance was welcoming, with a convenient coat-hanging area and a friendly staff that set a great first impression.
Stepping inside was like entering another world. The initial visual impact was fantastic, and the immersive elements were truly creative. On the left side, there were cushions and pillows where the kids played, which added to the cozy, whimsical feel. However, when I turned on my light to find my son’s lost shoe under the pillows, I started to wonder about their cleanliness.
The highlight for our kids was the gnome house, which was beautifully designed and fun to explore. They also enjoyed the interactive areas at the front and the final room, where they could paint, color, and explore a small sea-themed exhibit. The bar in the last room was a nice touch for adults.
While the experience was visually stunning and unique, the space was quite small, and after the initial excitement wore off, there wasn’t much more to explore. Given the ticket price—$72 for four adults and one child—it felt a bit limited in value.
Overall, it was a cool and creative space, and we had a good time, but the size left us wanting more. A solid four stars for the immersive design and friendly staff, but if the experience were a bit larger or offered more activities, it would have felt more...
Read moreIf you're looking for an immersive art experience that's unlike anything you've ever seen before, then look no further than "The Looking Glass." From the moment you step through the door, you're transported to a world of wonder and imagination, where every corner is filled with interactive elements made entirely from recycled materials.
The experience is truly trippy, with psychedelic elements that will leave you feeling like you've stepped into a dream. From the vivid colors and patterns to the mind-bending shapes and textures, "The Looking Glass" is a feast for the senses that will leave you feeling inspired and uplifted.
One of the things that really sets “The Looking Glass" apart is the knowledgeable and welcoming staff. Sam, in particular, is a standout member of the team, always ready with a smile and eager to share their expertise about the art and materials used in the exhibit.
Overall, "The Looking Glass" is an incredible experience that's not to be missed. Whether you're a fan of immersive art, psychedelia, or just looking for something different to do, this exhibit is sure to delight and inspire. Don't miss your chance to step through the looking glass and into a...
Read moreThe Looking Glass has been on my to-do list for awhile. I live almost 2 hours away and drove to Charlottesville specifically for this (plus dinner out afterwards). The space itself is beautiful but smaller than I expected. I also didn't expect a bar (?) on the other side of it. The website says it's appropriate for all ages, and I figured my 4 year old son would enjoy it. He did, BUT as soon as he rounded the corner to the part with the bean bag chairs he stopped dead in his tracks and looked back at me. I walked to where he was standing and saw what he was looking at -- a girl straddling a guy on the bean bag chair. They both had drinks in their hands and didn't even acknowledge or seem to care that a small child had seen them. I was pretty annoyed, so we explored the other parts of the space, but it was disappointing to have to avoid an entire part of the experience because of inappropriate PDA. I know The Looking Glass can't/don't control the actions of others, but perhaps they should have language in their admittance policy about this or staff walking through intermittently to patrol things. I would definitely come back though, just not with...
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