Otherworld Philadelphia: Psychedelic Playground Meets Interactive Art Experience

The Experience

There’s no wrong way to spend your time at Otherworld Philadelphia. You’re welcome to move from room to room in whichever order you prefer and explore dozens of interactive elements at your own pace.

See a screen lighting up? Go ahead and touch it. Notice something furry dangling from the ceiling? Give it a smack. Is the floor reacting to your footsteps? Go full Tom Hanks-in-Big on that bad boy. And if an opening in the corner looks suspiciously human-sized, crouch down and crawl right through it.

Don’t be shy: Curiosity is currency here.

Whether you’re planning a one-hour speed run or making a full day of it, here are a few options for approaching your visit to the other world.

Three Ways to Explore Otherworld

Dive Right In

While local artists contribute to the space, this spot is far from a stuffy art museum. Translation: If something looks out of place, it’s probably for good reason.

Tinker, tug and touch to your heart’s content. You’ll see the room react in the form of changing lights and sounds. Just one room has more than 1 million lighting combinations, depending on different visitor actions.

Not seeing something right away? Keep in mind that your actions in one room may have an effect on another.

Channel Your Inner Detective

While the pokers and prodders are doing their thing, the Nancy Drews and Sherlocks Holmes-es of the world can delve deep into the backstory that flows just beneath the surface.

A loose narrative about an evil corporation running tests on alien subjects comes into clearer focus if you follow the breadcrumbs in each room.

  — Photo by Visit Philadelphia

Look out for clues in the form of playful posters and cryptic notes. Figure out the “assignment” in each area and reap the rewards of more info.

While posted guides play coy, they might help you out if you’re getting close to cracking a combination.

Sit Back and Enjoy the Sights and Sounds 

Seeking a more low-key experience? There are plenty of opportunities to just chill while you stroke a furry wall.

Hop in a hammock in the melted-ice-cream-themed drippy room, go with the flow as you watch hypnotic fountains and lights dance to the beat, or relax on comfy pillows inside of a massive tent.

There are also photo ops galore. Get artsy by capturing mind-bending perspectives, post up for a selfie in front of a gigantic gassy monster, or pose with dozens of cute (?) and cuddly creatures dotting the space.

Admission & Info

Timed tickets are required and must be purchased online in advance.

The experience is intended for all ages, though little ones might find a few of the sights and sounds a bit too spooky. After entering at your designated start time, you are invited to stay as long as you like (until close, of course).

  — Photo courtesy Otherworld Philadelphia

The site is accessible via the SEPTA 19 bus route, and there is also a large parking lot offering free parking.

For tickets and more information about Otherworld Philadelphia, click the button below.

Things to Do Nearby

Pro tip: Make a day of your trip to Northeast Philly. Here are a few options for exploring the area before or after your experience at Otherworld Philadelphia.

Get Active Outdoors

Topgolf: Swing away! This popular golf-meets-arcade chain sees players tee off from elevated perches into a driving range dotted with glowing targets. High-tech balls keep score for each player, making it the perfect spot for a competitive date night or an outing with friends (2140 Byberry Road).

Pennypack Park: Named after the Lenni Lenape word for slow-moving water, this rambling city park — clocking in at a massive 1,600 acres — is home to rolling hills, open meadows, and many miles of paved and unpaved trails that are great for hiking, biking, running and horseback riding. Visitors also find numerous historic buildings, including Pennypack Bridge, one of the nation’s oldest stone bridges.

Andalusia Historic House, Gardens & Arboretum and Glen Feord: Just north of Philadelphia, several historic mansions sit along the Delaware River for guests to tour and peruse. Take in the stunning home and gardens at Andalusia Historic House, Gardens & Arboretum. Further south, find Glen Foerd on the Delaware and take part in mansion tours, paddle boating on the river and more (Andalusia Historic House, 1237 State Road, Andalusia, PA 19020; Glen Foerd, 5001 Grant Avenue).

Where to Eat

Nifty Fifty’s: This Pennsylvania chain is a neon-lit ball of nostalgia. Inspired by 1950s-era soda fountains, the spot serves up throwback vibes and an impressively large menu of shakes, burgers and fries in classic red leather booths (2491 Grant Avenue). 

Café Carmela: Thinking Italian? It’s hard to beat this popular pizzeria that serves perfectly charred pies, housemade pasta dishes and chef’s-kiss inducing cutlet sandwiches (2859 Holme Avenue).

Burger Bar at Gallo’s: The 5-Napkin Burger reigns supreme at this buzzed-about spot serving up a menu of deliciously messy burgers. Craving more surf than turf? Check out the seafood specialties at the connected Gallo’s Seafood Restaurant (8101 Roosevelt Boulevard). 

Chickies & Pete’s: Philly’s crave-worthy Crabfries are on the menu alongside a variety of salads, sandwiches and seafood specialties at the Northeast Philly Chickies location (11000 Roosevelt Boulevard).

Where to Grab a Drink  

Three Monkeys Cafe: Conveniently located across the street from the Torresdale SEPTA station, this monkey-themed bar serves up craft beer and elegant eats in a casual atmosphere. Opt for the open-air courtyard seating on a nice day (9645 James Street).

Maggie’s Waterfront Cafe: A Northeast Philly institution, the family-owned Maggie’s offers 40 beers on tap, a full dinner menu and stunning views of the Delaware River (9242 North Delaware Avenue).