GoKawiilMeow Wolf presaged the rise of interactive museums with its wacky, immersive art spaces. Cofounder Vince Kadlubek talks to Fast Company about what’s next. When the art collective Meow Wolf opened the doors of its very first immersive exhibition, House of Eternal Return, on March 18, 2016, it had roughly 100 employees, less than $1,000 in its corporate bank account, and a dream. Ten years later, the company employs more than 1,000 people, operates five permanent exhibitions (with two more on the way), and has welcomed more than 13 million visitors.
Meow Wolf is ditching the experience economy for the ‘transformation economy.’ Wait, what?
Why This Matters
Meow Wolf's shift from the experience economy to the transformation economy signals a broader evolution in how immersive art and entertainment are designed to create meaningful, lasting impacts on visitors. This transition could influence future industry trends, emphasizing personal growth and transformation over mere entertainment, benefiting both consumers and creators. It highlights the potential for immersive spaces to serve as catalysts for deeper engagement and societal change.
Key Takeaways
- Meow Wolf is evolving from offering entertainment to facilitating personal transformation.
- The company's growth reflects a broader shift in immersive experiences towards meaningful engagement.
- This change could influence future industry trends in art, entertainment, and experiential design.
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