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There’s An Otherworldly Art Museum With Secret Tunnels In Ohio And You Need To See It


Want to uncover a world of mystery and creativity?

Otherworld in Columbus, Ohio, features hidden tunnels and interactive art installations that will leave you amazed!

“Welcome to Otherworld: Where strip mall meets sci-fi spectacle. Prepare to have your mind blown and your Instagram feed filled!” Photo credit: Mrs Mimi G

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, step right up to the most fantastical, mind-boggling, eye-popping spectacle this side of the Milky Way!

Nestled in an unassuming strip mall on the east side of Columbus, Ohio, Otherworld is about to take you on a journey that’ll make Alice’s trip to Wonderland look like a stroll through the park.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “An art museum in a strip mall? Next to a discount tire shop? What kind of madness is this?”

But trust me, folks, this isn’t your grandma’s art gallery (unless your grandma happens to be a time-traveling alien with a penchant for neon and secret passageways).

“Down the rabbit hole we go! This crimson corridor could be the set of a Tim Burton fever dream or your next album cover.” Photo credit: Nicholas Klein

As you approach the building, you might wonder if you’ve taken a wrong turn and ended up at some sort of intergalactic DMV.

The exterior is about as exciting as a beige sweater at a paint-watching party.

But don’t let that fool you – it’s all part of the master plan to blow your mind when you step inside.

Once you cross the threshold, you’re not in Kansas anymore, Dorothy.

Heck, you’re not even in Ohio.

You’ve just entered a 32,000-square-foot wonderland of interactive art installations, hidden rooms, and secret passages.

“Psychedelic swirls and neon thrills: This room is what happens when a lava lamp and a Grateful Dead poster have a beautiful baby.” Photo credit: Joshua S.

The first thing that hits you is the sheer scale of it all.

Towering alien landscapes, pulsating light sculptures, and rooms that seem to defy the laws of physics stretch out before you.

It’s like someone took a bunch of artists, locked them in a room with an unlimited supply of glow sticks and energy drinks, and said, “Go nuts!”

And boy, did they ever.

One moment you’re wandering through a forest of bioluminescent trees that react to your touch, the next you’re crawling through a neon-lit tunnel that feels like you’re inside a giant lava lamp.

It’s sensory overload in the best possible way.

Now, let’s talk about these secret passages, shall we?

Otherworld is like a Russian nesting doll of surprises.

Just when you think you’ve seen it all, you stumble upon a hidden door that leads to… well, I’m not going to spoil it for you.

“Behold, the altar of the future! Part alien throne room, part disco inferno, all absolutely mesmerizing.” Photo credit: Joshua S.

One of my favorite installations is a room that looks like it was ripped straight out of a 1980s arcade fever dream.

Neon lights pulse in time with retro-futuristic synth music, and old-school video game cabinets line the walls.

But these aren’t your run-of-the-mill Pac-Man machines.

Oh no, these games are custom-made for Otherworld, each one a portal to another dimension of weirdness.

"Who knew a library could be so... otherworldly? These floating books are giving serious 'Beauty and the Beast meets The Matrix' vibes.""Who knew a library could be so... otherworldly? These floating books are giving serious 'Beauty and the Beast meets The Matrix' vibes."
“Who knew a library could be so… otherworldly? These floating books are giving serious ‘Beauty and the Beast meets The Matrix’ vibes.” Photo credit: Ryan P.

Moving on from the arcade, you might find yourself in a room that looks like it was decorated by Salvador Dali after a particularly wild night out.

Melting clocks drip from the ceiling, and the floor seems to undulate beneath your feet.

Is it an optical illusion or have you finally lost your marbles after one too many trips through the psychedelic wormhole?

Who knows?

That’s half the fun!

"Step into the void, where light becomes art. It's like being inside a giant fiber optic lamp, only cooler.""Step into the void, where light becomes art. It's like being inside a giant fiber optic lamp, only cooler."
“Step into the void, where light becomes art. It’s like being inside a giant fiber optic lamp, only cooler.” Photo credit: Ryan A.

One of the most impressive aspects of Otherworld is how it seamlessly blends technology with traditional art forms.

In one room, you might be surrounded by intricate hand-painted murals that seem to come alive with projected animations.

In another, you’re interacting with cutting-edge AI that responds to your movements and voice.

It’s like stepping into a living, breathing work of art that’s constantly evolving and changing.

"Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who's the trippiest of them all? This kaleidoscopic portal is ready to transport you to another dimension.""Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who's the trippiest of them all? This kaleidoscopic portal is ready to transport you to another dimension."
“Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who’s the trippiest of them all? This kaleidoscopic portal is ready to transport you to another dimension.” Photo credit: Brianne C.

Now, I know some of you might be thinking, “This all sounds great for the kids, but what about us sophisticated adults?”

Fear not, my cultured friends!

Otherworld isn’t just a playground for the young and young at heart.

It’s a serious (well, as serious as a place with rooms dedicated to giant fuzzy monsters can be) art installation that pushes the boundaries of what we consider art.

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The attention to detail in each room is staggering.

You could spend hours examining the intricate patterns in the alien flora of the bioluminescent forest or pondering the deeper meaning behind the room filled with thousands of blinking electronic eyes.

"Welcome to the electric jungle! These luminous strands create a forest of light that would make even Avatar's Pandora jealous.""Welcome to the electric jungle! These luminous strands create a forest of light that would make even Avatar's Pandora jealous."
“Welcome to the electric jungle! These luminous strands create a forest of light that would make even Avatar’s Pandora jealous.” Photo credit: Shreya T.

One of the most thought-provoking installations is a room that appears to be an ordinary living room… at first glance.

But as you explore, you start to notice that things are just slightly… off.

The family photos on the wall seem to change when you’re not looking directly at them.

The TV flickers with static that almost seems to form coherent images if you stare long enough.

And is it just me, or is that houseplant in the corner… breathing?

"Imagine if Picasso and Tesla had a art-lab lovechild. This interactive masterpiece brings new meaning to 'hands-on experience'.""Imagine if Picasso and Tesla had a art-lab lovechild. This interactive masterpiece brings new meaning to 'hands-on experience'."
“Imagine if Picasso and Tesla had a art-lab lovechild. This interactive masterpiece brings new meaning to ‘hands-on experience’.” Photo credit: Lexie C.

Now, let’s talk about the sound design for a moment, because it’s absolutely crucial to the Otherworld experience.

Each room has its own unique soundscape that complements the visual elements perfectly.

In the alien jungle, you’ll hear the chirps and calls of bizarre creatures that (hopefully) don’t exist on Earth.

The futuristic cityscape thrums with the buzz of hover cars and the beeps of robotic citizens going about their daily lives.

"Alice's wonderland got an upgrade! These cosmic mushrooms look ready to dispense wisdom... or maybe just giggles.""Alice's wonderland got an upgrade! These cosmic mushrooms look ready to dispense wisdom... or maybe just giggles."
“Alice’s wonderland got an upgrade! These cosmic mushrooms look ready to dispense wisdom… or maybe just giggles.” Photo credit: Andrew B.

And in the quieter, more contemplative spaces, ambient sounds create an atmosphere of mystery and wonder.

It’s like someone took all the best movie soundtracks, put them in a blender with some alien transmissions, and sprinkled in a dash of your weirdest dreams.

The result?

An auditory experience that’s as captivating as the visuals.

“Infinity and beyond! This mirror room is like being inside a diamond-encrusted disco ball. Bowie would approve.” Photo credit: Nafisa H.

One of the things that really sets Otherworld apart is its commitment to interactivity.

This isn’t a “look but don’t touch” kind of place.

In fact, touching, exploring, and experimenting are actively encouraged.

There are puzzles to solve, buttons to push, and levers to pull.

Some of them trigger obvious effects, like changing the lighting or activating a hidden animation.

Others… well, let’s just say that the effects might not be immediately apparent.

This interactivity means that no two visits to Otherworld are ever quite the same.

You might discover a new hidden passage, solve a puzzle you missed last time, or experience an installation in a completely different way depending on how you interact with it.

It’s like a choose-your-own-adventure book come to life, except instead of flipping pages, you’re crawling through secret tunnels and poking at alien artifacts.

"Lost in a sea of neon reeds? It's not a rave, it's art! This forest of light makes for some truly enlightening selfies.""Lost in a sea of neon reeds? It's not a rave, it's art! This forest of light makes for some truly enlightening selfies."
“Lost in a sea of neon reeds? It’s not a rave, it’s art! This forest of light makes for some truly enlightening selfies.” Photo credit: Karyn M.

Now, I know what some of you history buffs might be thinking.

“This all sounds great, but where’s the educational value? Where are the plaques explaining the historical significance of these neon-lit alien landscapes?”

Well, my friends, Otherworld might not teach you about ancient civilizations or Renaissance art techniques, but it will educate you in other ways.

It’ll teach you to look at the world with fresh eyes, to question your assumptions about what art can be, and to embrace your inner child who still believes in magic and wonder.

And let’s be honest, in today’s world, those might be the most valuable lessons of all.

Plus, you’ll probably learn a thing or two about problem-solving as you try to figure out how to open that stubborn secret door.

“Alien egg sac or avant-garde lighting? Either way, these glowing orbs are hatching some seriously cool vibes.” Photo credit: Rhiannon K.

One of the most impressive aspects of Otherworld is how it manages to appeal to such a wide range of people.

It’s a testament to the universal appeal of imagination and creativity.

And let’s not forget the Instagram factor.

If you’re the type who measures their experiences in likes and shares, Otherworld is an absolute goldmine.

Every room is a potential backdrop for the most epic selfie of your life.

Just be prepared for your followers to think you’ve either discovered an alien planet or have finally gone off the deep end.

“The bride of Frankenstein meets high fashion! This ethereal creation proves that even in Otherworld, white never goes out of style.” Photo credit: Tim J.

As you make your way through Otherworld, you’ll find yourself losing all sense of time and space.

Hours fly by in what feels like minutes, and you emerge blinking into the daylight feeling like you’ve just returned from an epic journey to another dimension.

And in a way, you have.

That’s the magic of Otherworld – it’s not just an art installation or a fancy funhouse.

It’s a portal to a world where imagination reigns supreme, where the lines between reality and fantasy blur, and where the only limit is your willingness to explore and play.

"Van Gogh's 'Starry Night' on a psychedelic trip. This swirling masterpiece will have you seeing stars... and maybe a few planets too!""Van Gogh's 'Starry Night' on a psychedelic trip. This swirling masterpiece will have you seeing stars... and maybe a few planets too!"
“Van Gogh’s ‘Starry Night’ on a psychedelic trip. This swirling masterpiece will have you seeing stars… and maybe a few planets too!” Photo credit: Joshua D.

So, my fellow adventurers, if you find yourself in Columbus, Ohio, do yourself a favor and set aside a few hours (or days, if you’re really committed) to experience Otherworld.

Just remember to bring your sense of wonder, your comfortable shoes (trust me, you’ll be doing a lot of walking), and maybe a trail of breadcrumbs to find your way back to reality.

Oh, and if you happen to stumble upon a room full of sentient, talking plants… well, tell them I said hi.

They’ll know what I mean.

For more information about this mind-bending adventure, visit Otherworld’s website or Facebook page.

And don’t forget to use this map to find your way to this hidden gem in Columbus.

16 otherworld map16 otherworld map

Where: 5819 Chantry Dr, Columbus, OH 43232

After all, you wouldn’t want to accidentally end up in the wrong dimension, would you?

Remember, in Otherworld, the only thing more incredible than what you see… is what you’ll discover about yourself along the way.

Now go forth and get weird, my friends!





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