A vibrant, chaotic, ‘mind-altering’ experience is heading to Denver

Picture this: Four distinct worlds converge after a cosmic event 25 years ago. The inhabitants lose their memories, and four women mysteriously disappear.

What seems like the plot of a science fiction novel is actually the premise of Meow Wolf's third permanent immersive installation in Denver, ‘Convergence Station.’ Get ready for an out-of-this-world adventure.

When the exhibit opens on September 17, visitors will step into the narrative, exploring four unique realms – kaleidoscopic cathedrals, eerie Corinthian catacombs, lush alien landscapes, and gritty, dazzling urban vistas – to uncover the mystery.

While the storyline may seem otherworldly, it's inspired by the immigrant experience, particularly drawing from Denver's Sun Valley neighborhood where the exhibit is located, according to Chadney Everett, senior creative director of Meow Wolf Denver.

“Convergence Station immerses us in four distinct, alien realms, mysteriously brought together by a rare cosmic event,” Everett shared. “Some inhabitants embrace the new opportunities this world offers, while others yearn for their original homes. A narrative that resonates deeply within many immigrant communities.”

The four-story installation showcases over three years of creative work from hundreds of artists, including more than 110 from Colorado. It will debut with 79 thought-provoking projects such as ‘Ruptured Time,’ ‘Crystal Future,’ and ‘Indigenous Futurist Dreamscapes Lounge.’ The number of installations will expand annually, as Meow Wolf plans to collaborate with new Denver artists every year.

Meow Wolf’s past, which seems more like a vision of the future

In 2016, the collective launched its first permanent immersive exhibit, ‘House of Eternal Return,’ in Santa Fe, New Mexico. At first glance, visitors encounter a seemingly normal Victorian house, but once inside, reality begins to twist. Open the fridge or dryer and you’re transported to another surreal dimension.

A neon-lit hallway with glowing trees, a pastel room full of optical illusions, a radiant forest – this immersive exhibition unfolds like a ‘choose-your-own-adventure,’ with over 70 rooms brimming with vibrant, maximalist art. It’s all the result of hundreds of artists, creators, and volunteers, with ‘Game of Thrones’ creator George R. R. Martin among its key supporters.

In February, Meow Wolf unveiled its second permanent installation, ‘Omega Mart,’ in Las Vegas. Similar to their Santa Fe flagship, the exhibit takes visitors inside an ordinary supermarket, only to discover hidden doors and passages that lead to strange alternate worlds. You can even shop for peculiar items like Mammoth Chunks and Organic Moth Milk, or stumble upon a secret bar called Datamosh.

As a public benefit corporation, Meow Wolf is committed to supporting artists and strengthening communities. For Convergence Station, the group not only collaborated with local Colorado artists, but also partnered with organizations like the Latino Cultural Arts Center to help foster a supportive network of arts organizations across Denver, says Everett.

"They were really focused on involving local artists," said David Ocelotl Garcia, a Colorado artist who contributed to the installation. "It wasn’t just about bringing in artists from all over the world, but making sure local talent had a chance to participate. I thought it was fantastic that they embraced the community this way and provided such an opportunity."

Partnerships for Convergence Station

Garcia teamed up with fellow Colorado artist Cal Duran for one of the room installations at Convergence Station, titled ‘Earth Spirits of the Subconscious Mind.’ This striking exhibit features dozens of ceramic heads, sculpted to protrude from the walls in an almost mystical arrangement.

Both artists aimed to honor Indigenous and Mexican cultural heritage through the installation. The ceramic heads, which feature mirrors in their eyes, are meant to prompt viewers to reflect on their own ancestry and identity, explains Duran.

"I wanted the space to feel imaginative and otherworldly," Duran explained. "When visitors step into our room, I want them to feel as though they’ve entered a different realm altogether."

Corn is a recurring symbol throughout the installation, representing nourishment, balance, and strength within Indigenous Mexican culture, Garcia noted. To deepen the sensory experience, he also recorded a mix of traditional instruments—flutes, drums, and a conch shell—as well as sounds from nature, all of which play in the room.

"Earth Spirits was created to honor my family, ancestors, and community, while also fostering respect and awareness for all living beings," Garcia shared.

Other notable contributors include Kalyn Heffernan of the band Wheelchair Sports Camp, the Los Angeles-based artist collective Everything is Terrible!, and Christopher Nelson, an Oscar and Emmy-winning special effects makeup artist known for his work on ‘Kill Bill,’ ‘Halloween,’ and ‘Suicide Squad.’

The collective is carving out a unique space for large-scale immersive art experiences, and Everett is eager to see what the future holds—though it’s clear it will be vibrant and full of energy.

"Meow Wolf started as a group of young artists looking for ways to express their unique vision outside the confines of traditional galleries," Everett explained. "Now that we’ve developed a successful model for collaborative installation art and supporting artist communities, we’re excited to share our vision and support artists around the world."