Seeing Think Tank Gallery with the lights on was weird for me.
I mean, I’ve only ever seen it in the dark, or blindfolded, curiosity of ALONE’s various events there. However, I finally got to see it in all its glory, as I got a sneak peek of TRAP HOUSE, their sci-fi / horror art show and escape room mashup.
In the past, Think Tank has been host to several haunts during the Halloween season, such as the aforementioned ALONE (a few years ago) and Drunk Devil last year. Now, they have created their OWN treat for the season. The mash up experience is basically two things in one. The art show will feature work from some world renowned artists, such as Dick Smith, Mike Hill, Andrew Freeman, Blake Neubert, and many more. While the gallery wasn’t 100% complete when we went Monday evening, the pieces that WERE already on display were gorgeous. They promised at least three times as many pieces as there were the other night, so the display is sure to dazzle. The best part is, the art show is completely free, so you can check out all the amazing work any time the gallery itself was open.
To further add to the awesomeness, Trap House features a brand new escape room designed by Universal Studios Japan’s Adam Milicevic, located in a hidden room within the gallery. The REAL reason we were invited to Trap House earlier this week was to help beta test the room, and basically see how it would function for the general public.
While the version we saw was a complete room, it was still missing some of the brilliant touches Think Tank will be adding before opening night (but we will get to those in a second). That’s not to say the room wasn’t great, because it absolutely was. The story goes that you arrive at the gallery to audition for famous rock ‘n’ roll star, after communicating with his assistant via text and email for the weeks leading up to your time slot. And yes, when you purchase a ticket for the escape room portion, you really WILL be getting these texts and emails.
Of course, when you get there, no everything is what it seems, so you and your team will have 30 minutes to find your way THROUGH the recording studio, into the secret operation room behind it, and out back into the gallery. This room was pretty damn cool, and featured some innovative puzzles that I have never seen done before. While we just BARELY made it out, with seconds to spare, it was an awesome challenge that will be made even better.
And how will they do that? Well, for the first time ever (at least, that I have ever heard of), the actions INSIDE the escape room will change some of the functional, conceptual art installations OUTSIDE in the gallery. For example, while you are tinkering with the knobs and dials on one puzzle inside the room, out in the gallery, a digital display will continually change as you try to figure it out. Also, from what was told to us, participants can even enlist the help of gallery-viewers via intercom to assist them in solving puzzles.
How cool is that?!
If that is not enough, they will even be hosting various, additional events throughout the season, such as Serial Killer Speed Dating (from our own Abel Horwitz), Ivy Connect cocktail party, and an immersive takeover from the folks behind Screenshot Productions.
Seriously, Trap House is going to be a fantastic addition to the Halloween season that you will want to keep going back to, and is something you definitely do not want to miss.
Trap House is free and open to the public for art viewing from October 8th to October 31st. They are open Wednesday through Monday, from 3-11PM on weekdays and 12-midnight on weekends.
Groups of six or less can purchase tickets to their escape room experience on their website. To buy tickets, view their calendar of events, and more, visit them online at www.traphouse.la
You can also RSVP for their opening night reception at: https://traphouseopening.eventbrite.com
