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Meow Wolfers describe Meow Wolf in their own words.
How can you explain something that is unexplainable? Photo credit: Brandon Soder.
As we celebrate nine years of immersive art, storytelling, and creative rebellion since the beginning of House of Eternal Return, we’re taking a moment to reflect on what Meow Wolf truly is.
Beyond the neon corridors, hidden portals, and mind-bending narratives, there’s a vast team of artists, fabricators, technicians, dreamers, and dedicated employees working behind the scenes to build the impossible. So, how do they describe Meow Wolf? In their own words, it’s an ever-evolving experiment, a place where art isn’t just seen—it’s felt.
Playland Plunge. - Jenna E.
Wonderously Weird. - Nicole G.
An Experience. - Heather C.
A Dalí painting comes to life. - Kate D.
Meow Wolf is a twist in your story. I guess that's five words. - Devon, a creative force of nature and storyteller who nailed this question.
Visitors tend to describe their trip to Meow Wolf in very similar ways - it’s like a million different dimensions in one building or a really trippy video game in real life. Those descriptors, among many other interpretations, often use various media forms and artists’ works to express that feeling of surrealism. How would you describe us?
Devon was hired to work in story-building, and she received a thorough download of everything about Santa Fe’s House of Eternal Return before she ever set foot inside. She communicated that she felt the element of surprise would be lost on her—but she was wrong.
"Nothing can really prepare you for stepping through those moments with your own two feet."
She knew, in theory, what awaited her beyond the fridge portal, beyond the upstairs walls, and the back porch. But experiencing it firsthand was entirely different. Immediately, Devon was transported back to childhood—stepping out of her back door into the "forest" of her backyard, where the rules of reality no longer applied.
"I think I teared up a bit. That’s cheesy, but it’s true."
One of our guest services managers, Heather, states her favorite thing is watching people interact with the exhibit for the first time.
"Seeing a little kid walk straight into the fireplace, eyes wide with wonder. Adults embracing their inner child."
Some guests dive deep into the narrative—reading everything, taking notes, piecing the story together. Then there’s that magical moment when they talk to a staff member like Heather, realize they got it right, and do a little happy dance.
"That joy, that discovery—it never gets old."
Of all the answers received from our Meow Wolf family, the one that kept coming up again and again was Nimsesku, the “glitched” hamster. He’s found everywhere in the Meow Wolf worlds – from the darkest corners to inside the smallest spaces.
Even in the largest multiverse locations like Convergence Station, Nimsesku is a universal character that is both alive and dead, everywhere and nowhere, always and never.
Others answered with clues and tips on how you can discover these secretive elements.
“Go slow. Look up.”
“Look inside, behind and closely at small windows. Many folks do not find these miniverses on their first visit so be sure to take the time to search out little windows that show you fairy eggs and flowers.”
“Touch, smell, feel, listen - you should employ all your senses when exploring the Meow Wolf worlds. Even as someone who has gone through again and again at every location, I always find something new.”
The basic essentials of life came up frequently in these answers - air, water, food, shelter, sleep. Here are a few that include the basics, and some that go beyond:
“If I had to pick a room to make my home base I think it would have to be the Animal Eye Dome in House of Eternal Return. It's just so peaceful and would be a nice secure place to sleep for the night.”
“Handsdown, Sips (with a Z)® in Convergence Station. I'd work my way through the cocktail menu, nibble on flatbreads... Having an executive travel lounge as my home base = THRIVING, not surviving.”
"Desert Chill Zone in Omega Mart is super cozy and the Mars sunset view is like a psychedelic desert scene. Very relaxing.”
Other picks included Treehouse, Forest, Numina, Cowboix Hevvven in Houston, and Midnight Garden in Grapevine, TX.
Meow Wolf is hard to define—but the people who bring it to life every day know it best. As we celebrate Meow Wolf Santa Fe’s ninth anniversary, we’re reflecting on what makes all our worlds truly special. For some, it’s the unforgettable moment of stepping through a portal and feeling like a kid again. For others, it’s watching visitors light up with discovery—whether they’re wandering into the fireplace, piecing together the narrative, or simply embracing the joy of play. At its core, Meow Wolf is for everyone. It’s a space where curiosity has no limits, where all are welcome, and where creativity belongs to all of us.
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