This Ohio Art Museum Feels Like Stepping Into A Modern Wonderland

The first time I visited Otherworld, my sense of direction filed a formal complaint, and my imagination threw a party. Tucked in Columbus, Ohio, at 5819 Chantry Dr, Columbus, OH 43232, this immersive art museum is a neon playground where doors lead to surprises and the walls seem to have opinions.

I walked in thinking I’d do a quick lap, then I caught myself crawling through secret passages, poking at panels, and grinning like I’d just found a cheat code to adulthood.

Across roughly 32,000 square feet, the rooms shift from glittery glow zones to puzzle-y corners that reward curiosity, so lingering feels less like “taking your time” and more like “following the plot.”

If you want a date night, family outing, or solo adventure that snaps you out of autopilot, this wonderland in Ohio makes it easy to play along.

Stepping Through the Looking Glass

Oh, what an experience it was. Dim lighting mixed with neon accents created an atmosphere that felt both welcoming and mysterious, setting the tone for everything that followed.

The entrance design cleverly prepares you for the sensory journey ahead without overwhelming you right away. Staff members greeted us warmly and explained the basic concept: wander freely, touch everything, and let curiosity guide your path.

What struck me most was how the space immediately signals that normal rules don’t apply here. Forget staying quiet and keeping your hands to yourself.

This is a place built for interaction, exploration, and yes, getting a little bit lost on purpose.

The thoughtful design extends to practical details, too. Timed entry keeps crowds manageable, so you never feel rushed or packed in like sardines.

It’s clear that every element, from lighting to layout, was crafted to make visitors feel transported somewhere entirely different from everyday Ohio life.

A Maze That Rewards Wandering

Otherworld’s layout isn’t designed to guide you efficiently from point A to point B. Instead, it encourages you to wander, backtrack, and stumble upon rooms you somehow missed the first time through.

I found myself returning to certain areas not because I was confused, but because each space revealed new details with every visit. Hidden doorways, secret tunnels, and unexpected passages create a sense of discovery that stays fresh even after you think you’ve seen everything.

The maze-like structure means every visitor creates their own unique journey through the space. Some rooms connect in obvious ways, while others require crawling through tunnels or pushing through unexpected portals.

This design choice transforms a simple walkthrough into an adventure.

Several visitors I spoke with mentioned finding new rooms just before leaving, even after spending hours exploring. That element of surprise keeps the experience engaging and ensures no two visits feel exactly the same, making it worth returning to discover what you missed.

Touch Everything, Seriously

Most museums make you nervous about accidentally touching something. Otherworld flips that script entirely, practically begging you to put your hands on everything you see.

Walls respond to touch with rippling colors and shifting patterns. Some surfaces create the illusion of water beneath your feet, while others let you draw designs that come alive before your eyes.

The interactivity isn’t just a gimmick; it’s fundamental to how the art works.

I spent several minutes in one room just running my hands along different surfaces, watching how each texture and material responded differently. The tactile element adds a dimension that traditional visual art simply can’t match.

You’re not just observing; you’re collaborating with the installations.

The interactive elements work brilliantly for all ages. Kids naturally gravitate toward touching and exploring, while adults rediscover the joy of hands-on play.

Even seemingly inconspicuous objects might trigger sound changes or visual effects, rewarding thorough exploration with constant surprises throughout your visit.

Rooms That Transport You

Each room at Otherworld feels like stepping into a completely different universe. One moment you’re surrounded by psychedelic patterns that pulse with electronic music, and the next you’re in a stark black-and-white space that plays with perception.

The variety keeps you constantly engaged and curious about what’s behind the next door. Some rooms embrace a gritty, abandoned-mall aesthetic that contrasts beautifully with the polished futuristic spaces nearby.

Others feel organic and alive, with installations that seem to breathe and respond to your presence.

What impressed me most was how each environment maintained its own distinct character while still feeling cohesive with the overall experience. The designers clearly put thought into creating spaces that surprise without feeling random or disconnected from each other.

The attention to detail in every room is remarkable. Lighting, sound design, and visual elements work together to create complete sensory environments that fully immerse you in whatever world you’ve entered, making it easy to lose track of time.

Puzzles for the Curious

Scattered throughout Otherworld are puzzles that add an optional layer of challenge to your exploration. These aren’t necessary to enjoy the space, but they provide an engaging objective for visitors who like having a mission.

I’ll admit, I initially struggled to understand what I was supposed to be looking for. The puzzles aren’t explicitly explained, which can be frustrating at first but ultimately adds to the sense of discovery.

Once you figure out the pattern, solving them becomes genuinely satisfying.

Some visitors mentioned wishing for different difficulty levels, and I can see their point. The puzzles occupy a middle ground that might feel too easy for hardcore puzzle enthusiasts but challenging enough to stump casual explorers.

Still, working through them added probably an extra hour to my visit.

Whether you engage with the puzzles or ignore them completely, the choice is yours. The space works beautifully either way, though I’d recommend at least attempting a few to add another dimension to your experience and encourage closer observation.

Perfect for All Ages

One of the most remarkable things about Otherworld is how it genuinely appeals to visitors across age groups. I watched young children squeal with delight in the same rooms where adults stood mesmerized, each age group finding their own reasons to engage.

Parents told me their kids were absolutely in awe, treating the space like the world’s coolest playground. Meanwhile, childless adults like myself found plenty to appreciate in the artistic execution and conceptual creativity.

The space manages to be family-friendly without feeling childish.

Some areas might be slightly intense for very young children. A few reviewers mentioned their preschoolers felt scared in certain darker or more surreal rooms.

However, the open layout means you can easily skip sections that don’t work for your group.

The ability to appeal to inner children while satisfying adult sensibilities is rare. Otherworld succeeds because it doesn’t talk down to anyone.

Instead, it creates experiences that tap into universal curiosity and wonder that transcends age, making it ideal for family outings or adult adventures.

Plan for Hours, Not Minutes

When I first arrived, I figured I’d spend maybe an hour looking around. Three hours later, I was still discovering new corners and revisiting favorite spots.

This isn’t a place you rush through.

Most visitors I observed spent between two and four hours exploring, depending on their pace and interest in puzzles. If you’re someone who likes to thoroughly examine every detail, you could easily fill an entire afternoon here.

The space is surprisingly massive, with over 32,000 square feet to explore.

I recommend arriving when you have plenty of time and no immediate commitments afterward. Rushing through would mean missing details, skipping interactive elements, and not fully absorbing the atmosphere each room creates.

Otherworld rewards slow, curious exploration rather than efficient touring.

Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as you’ll be on your feet the entire time. Also, charge your phone fully before arriving.

You’ll want it for photos, and the lighting effects photograph beautifully without needing much editing or special equipment to capture the experience.

Practical Details Worth Knowing

Otherworld operates on a timed entry system, which I highly recommend booking online in advance. This ensures you get in at your preferred time and helps the venue manage crowd levels for a better experience.

The venue is closed on Tuesdays, with varying hours throughout the week. Weekday visits tend to be less crowded than weekends, particularly in the late afternoon.

If you prefer a quieter experience without many children, visiting later in the evening on weekdays is your best bet.

One honest caveat: the parking situation could use improvement. The lots look somewhat sketchy, especially after dark, which was mentioned by multiple visitors.

Better lighting would help, but don’t let this deter you from visiting. Just be aware and take normal precautions with your vehicle.

Admission prices run slightly high, but most visitors, including myself, felt the experience justified the cost. You’re supporting local artists and a genuinely unique venue that offers something you can’t find in most Ohio cities.

The value becomes clear once you’re inside.

A Break from Default Reality

Perhaps the most valuable thing Otherworld offers is a complete mental departure from everyday life. For a few hours, you’re not thinking about work deadlines, household chores, or the regular concerns that usually occupy your mind.

The sensory richness of the environment demands your attention in the best possible way. You become fully present, focused on what’s in front of you rather than what’s waiting on your phone or to-do list.

Several visitors compared it to the feeling of escaping default reality, and that description feels accurate.

This quality makes Otherworld more than just entertainment. It’s genuinely restorative in a way that passive activities like watching movies can’t match.

The combination of movement, interaction, and visual stimulation engages your brain differently, leaving you feeling refreshed rather than drained.

Ohio might not be the first place people think of for cutting-edge art experiences, but Columbus is quietly building something special. Otherworld represents the kind of creative, ambitious project that makes cities interesting and gives residents reasons to feel proud of their local culture.