FrayLife First Look: Meow Wolf
What in the world is a Meow Wolf? Is it an art exhibit? A hotel?
These are the questions many Phoenicians are asking themselves after the Santa-Fe based arts and entertainment collective announced its latest concept is coming to Arizona.
From the looks of it, it’s going to be a permanent art exhibit, a hotel AND much more.
The project, which will be in the heart of the Roosevelt Row Arts District, will feature a 75,000 square-foot exhibition area, 10,000 square-foot music and performance venue and approximately 400 hotel rooms.
The hotel rooms will run the gamut of overnight experiences — ranging from communal hostel-style accommodations to luxury suites.
“Guests are always asking about staying overnight inside of our House of Eternal Return project in Santa Fe, so doing an intertwined exhibition and hotel just made sense to us,” said co-founder and CEO Vince Kadlubek.
The concept is being brought to life in partnership with Phoenix-based community, entertainment and real estate development collaborative True North Studio, and according to its founder and principal developer Jonathon Vento, it’s about to be a game-changer for the Phoenix culture scene.
“Meow Wolf’s entry into the Phoenix market represents a cultural shockwave and we are excited to partner with these amazing artists,” Vento said. “We are committed to the future of Phoenix as a great American city and understand the importance of a cultural economy. Meow Wolf’s presence will give Phoenix a spectacular boost in our ability to work with local artists and to attract and retain the kind of creative workforce necessary for success. The Meow Wolf Exhibition and Hotel will be the new epicenter for the arts, entertainment and tourism in the State of Arizona.”
Meow Wolf’s first concept was the THEA Award-winning “House Of Eternal Return” in 2016, which welcomed over 1.5 million visitors to experience the space, which included mesmerizing art exhibits, a learning center and a café.
The company, which was established over a decade ago, began as an art collective and has since grown to become a legally registered public benefit corporation with support from creatives like Game of Thrones creator George R.R. Martin.
Meow Wolf’s future endeavors plan to include the first ever art ride, a water park and shopping mall bazaar. These expansion plans are set to pop up in Las Vegas, Denver and Washington, DC.
While excitement continues to build over the concept, it’s expected to be a few years before construction on the project is complete.