29Rooms is an interactive art experience, not a museum with permanent exhibits
29Rooms is a temporary, ticketed art installation that travels to different cities. Each location features a series of immersive rooms designed by artists — some are photo-friendly, some are interactive, and some are meant to be experienced without a camera. The experience typically lasts two to three hours, and you move through the rooms at your own pace. It's not a traditional museum with a collection that stays in one place; instead, it's a pop-up event that runs for a limited time in each city before moving on.
The rooms change with each new location and iteration. Past installations have included everything from a ball pit made of oversized objects to a room filled with mirrors and light, to spaces designed for sound and movement. Because the experience is different each time, people who have visited 29Rooms in one city may want to visit again when it opens in another location.
Key Takeaways
- 29Rooms is a traveling pop-up art experience that sets up in different cities for a set number of weeks, then moves to the next location.
- You buy a ticket in advance or at the door (when available), and the ticket price varies by city and timing.
- The experience is designed to be walked through at your own pace, with no guided tour required.
- Most rooms are designed to be photographed, but some have photography restrictions — the venue tells you which is which as you enter each room.
- Tickets often sell out weeks in advance in popular cities, so buying early increases your chances of getting the date and time you want.
How to buy a ticket and what the price usually is
Tickets are sold through the official 29Rooms website for the specific city and dates where the installation is running. You choose your date and time slot, then complete the purchase online. Prices vary depending on the city, the day of the week, and how far in advance you buy. Weekend tickets typically cost more than weekday tickets, and prices often increase as the event date gets closer.
Some locations also sell tickets at the door on the day of your visit, but this is not may provide — popular cities and peak times often sell out online before the event begins. If you want to visit during a specific time slot or on a particular day, buying your ticket online ahead of time is the safer choice. The 29Rooms website shows you availability in real time, so you can see which dates still have open slots.
What to expect when you arrive
When you arrive at the venue, you'll check in with your ticket (digital or printed) and receive any additional instructions about the experience. The staff will let you know which rooms allow photography and which don't. Some installations have a suggested route through the rooms, but you're free to move at your own pace and spend as much or as little time in each space as you want.
There are no guides or narration — the experience is self-directed. Some rooms have staff members present to explain how to interact with the space or to answer questions, but you won't be herded through on a schedule. Depending on the installation, you might encounter other visitors in the same rooms, especially during busy time slots.
Photography and social media at 29Rooms
Most of 29Rooms is designed with social media in mind — the rooms are visually striking and meant to be photographed. However, not every room allows cameras. When you enter, signage will tell you whether photography is permitted in that space. Some rooms may ask you to put your phone away, while others encourage you to take pictures. Respect these boundaries, as they're part of how the artist designed the experience.
If you're planning to take photos, bring a phone or camera with a good battery, since you may be taking many pictures across multiple rooms. The lighting in some rooms is designed specifically for photography, while others are darker or more intimate and may not photograph well.
How long the experience takes and what to wear
Most people spend between two and three hours at 29Rooms, though some visitors move through faster and others linger longer. There's no set time limit — you can stay as long as you want within the venue's operating hours. If you have a specific time slot, that slot is your entry time, not your exit time, so you can arrive anytime during that window and stay afterward.
Wear comfortable shoes, since you'll be walking and standing for most of the experience. Some rooms may require you to remove your shoes or sit on the floor, so check the 29Rooms website for any specific dress code or preparation notes for the current installation. The temperature and lighting vary by room, so layers are a good idea if you're sensitive to temperature changes.
Refunds, rescheduling, and what happens if you can't go
Refund and rescheduling policies vary by location and ticket type. Check the terms on your ticket or the 29Rooms website for the specific city you're visiting. Some tickets are non-refundable, while others allow you to reschedule to a different date if you contact the venue before your scheduled time. If an event is canceled due to circumstances beyond the venue's control, the organizers typically offer a refund or the option to reschedule.
If you need to change your date or have questions about your specific ticket, contact the venue or the 29Rooms support team through the website. Keep your ticket confirmation email, as you'll need it to make any changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring children to 29Rooms?
Yes, but check the age recommendations for the specific installation you're visiting. Some rooms may be better suited to older children or adults, and younger children may need supervision. The 29Rooms website lists any age guidelines for the current event.
Is there a gift shop or food available inside 29Rooms?
Most installations have a small shop where you can buy merchandise related to the experience, and some have food or beverage options. Specifics vary by location, so check the venue details on the 29Rooms website before you go.
What if I'm not comfortable with crowds or sensory experiences?
Some rooms involve crowds, loud sounds, or bright lights. If you're sensitive to these, arrive during off-peak hours (weekday mornings or early afternoons are usually quieter) or contact 29Rooms ahead of time to ask about the sensory elements of the current installation.
Can I get a group discount?
Some locations offer group rates for larger parties. Check the 29Rooms website for the city you're visiting, or contact their support team to ask about group pricing and how many people you need in your group to may have access to.
How do I know when 29Rooms is coming to my city?
The 29Rooms website lists all upcoming locations and dates. You can also sign up for their mailing list to be notified when a new installation is announced for your area.