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EXP: The 26,000-Square-Foot VR Destination Making Waves in Rosemont’s Pearl District

Rosemont’s Pearl District has introduced EXP, a massive 26,000-square-foot free roam VR venue that aims to bring history, science, and imagination together in an incredibly immersive way. Unlike typical gaming centers, EXP Rosemont offers an experience where technology meets culture, inviting you to explore worlds that combine education with adventure.

Explore Rather Than Just Play

At EXP, you don’t just play—you explore. The venue transforms storytelling through immersive VR adventures that transport you across time and space. Whether walking through ancient Egyptian pyramids or journeying through Earth’s evolutionary history, this Pearl District VR venue redefines how you engage with history and science.

More Than Just Entertainment

Expect more than entertainment. EXP Rosemont promises a unique cultural experience that challenges perceptions and fuels curiosity by merging art, technology, and narrative within its expansive digital playground.

The Vision Behind EXP

EXP is the result of a strategic partnership with PHI Studio Montreal, a leader in immersive arts known for pushing the boundaries between technology, storytelling, and culture. PHI Studio brings decades of expertise in creating experiences that blend art and science, making them an ideal collaborator to bring this ambitious VR destination to life.

Eric Albert, CEO of PHI Studio, emphasizes the transformative power of immersive technology:

“Art and science are two sides of the same coin — both help us explore and understand our world in ways that go beyond words or pictures. With EXP, we’re crafting stories that engage all the senses and open new doors to knowledge.”

This vision goes beyond entertainment. EXP is designed to serve as a cultural catalyst for Rosemont and the Midwest, sparking curiosity and inspiring visitors to connect deeply with history, nature, and human achievement. By merging rigorous scientific accuracy with imaginative storytelling, PHI Studio aims to create an experience that educates while it captivates.

The collaboration highlights how immersive technology can evolve from novel gadgetry into a meaningful platform for cultural enrichment. EXP’s ambition is clear: establish Rosemont not just as a place to visit but as a hub where innovation meets education through artful virtual reality.

Location and Accessibility

EXP is located at 9900 Berwyn Avenue in the heart of Rosemont’s vibrant Pearl District, a neighborhood rapidly gaining recognition as a cultural and entertainment hotspot. This prime location makes it easy for visitors from both the local community and beyond to access the venue.

Key points about EXP’s location include:

  • Easy reach via major highways and public transit, ideal for day-trippers and tourists alike
  • Walking distance from entertainment staples such as Parkway Bank Park and Allstate Arena, allowing you to combine your VR experience with concerts, sports, or dining
  • Close proximity to O’Hare International Airport, enhancing convenience for out-of-town guests

This strategic placement reinforces Rosemont Illinois’ growing reputation as a destination that blends cutting-edge attractions with established entertainment venues.

Featured VR Adventures at EXP

Rosemont’s Pearl District debuts EXP, a 26,000-square-foot free roam VR venue designed to make history, science and imagination collide in stunningly immersive ways. The centerpiece is the Horizon of Khufu VR tour, an extraordinary Great Pyramid of Khufu VR experience. You embark on an immersive journey inside one of the world’s most iconic ancient wonders, exploring chambers that remain off-limits to most archaeologists.

Highlights include:

  • Moving freely through the pyramid’s secret passageways and hidden rooms
  • Ascending the pyramid’s 146-meter summit for breathtaking virtual views
  • Experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of King Khufu’s funerary rites, including a sail down the Nile River during this historic procession

This adventure transports you across time and space, blending archaeological authenticity with cutting-edge technology to create an unforgettable exploration. The freedom to roam untethered allows you to engage deeply with Egypt’s marvels, making the Horizon of Khufu VR tour a standout feature at EXP.

Life Chronicles Evolution VR Experience

Life Chronicles evolution VR offers an immersive, 45-minute scientific journey through 3.5 billion years of Earth’s history. This educational virtual reality tour begins at the microscopic level with single-celled microbes, showcasing the origins of life in vivid detail. As you progress, ancient seas come alive around you, teeming with early marine creatures and ecosystems that set the stage for complex biological evolution.

Key features include:

  • A visually stunning depiction of evolutionary milestones supported by up-to-date scientific research
  • Interactive elements that deepen understanding without overwhelming the narrative
  • An engaging format that balances spectacle with factual storytelling, making complex concepts accessible

This experience is designed to captivate both science enthusiasts and casual visitors by blending compelling visuals with grounded educational content. It invites you to witness Earth’s dynamic history in a way textbooks alone cannot achieve, transforming learning into a captivating adventure.

Unique Features of EXP’s Free Roam VR Experience

EXP stands out as a free roam VR venue in Rosemont that breaks from traditional, tethered setups. Visitors enjoy untethered VR exploration, moving naturally throughout the 26,000-square-foot space. This freedom means you’re not confined to one spot or attached to cables, allowing for a fully immersive and physical experience.

Key aspects include:

  • Unrestricted movement within expansive digital environments
  • Flexibility to explore solo or with friends and family at your own pace
  • Dynamic interactions that respond to your position and actions in real time

This format redefines how you engage with virtual worlds, making each visit unique and active rather than passive.

Educational and Cultural Impact

EXP redefines how you engage with history and science by merging education with immersive technology. This history VR experience in Chicago offers more than visual spectacle—it invites you to actively participate in narratives that span millennia. By placing you inside ancient worlds or tracing Earth’s evolution, EXP deepens your understanding through direct interaction rather than passive observation.

Key benefits include:

  • Enhanced retention of historical and scientific knowledge via experiential learning
  • Active exploration that sparks curiosity and personal connection to content
  • Bridging art and science through meticulously crafted environments that stimulate imagination

Rosemont’s Pearl District debuts EXP, a 26,000-square-foot free roam VR venue designed to make history, science and imagination collide in stunningly immersive ways. This approach transforms traditional storytelling into a dynamic educational journey that resonates with visitors of all ages.

Ticketing Information and Visitor Experience

EXP operates on a timed entry ticket system to ensure a smooth, immersive experience without overcrowding. This system allows you to select specific time slots for your visit, optimizing your adventure through the expansive VR environments.

EXP ticket prices are as follows:

  • Adults: Starting at $43
  • Children (ages 8–16): Starting at $31

Discounts apply for families, students, and seniors, making this cutting-edge VR destination more accessible to diverse groups.

VIP packages offer additional perks such as priority entry, a custom badge, and a tote bag—ideal if you want a premium experience. Booking tickets in advance online is recommended to secure your preferred time slot.

Community and Economic Benefits for Rosemont

Rosemont mayor Brad Stephens envisions EXP as a transformative landmark for the village. He highlights its potential to become a major destination that attracts visitors not only from the Chicago area but across the Midwest. This influx of tourists is expected to boost the local economy by increasing foot traffic to nearby restaurants, hotels, and entertainment venues.

Key points from Mayor Stephens include:

  • EXP as an economic driver: Encouraging growth in hospitality and retail sectors.
  • Creation of new jobs: Directly within EXP and indirectly through supporting businesses.
  • Strengthening Rosemont’s entertainment profile: Complementing existing attractions like Parkway Bank Park and Allstate Arena.

The community stands to benefit from revitalized business activity and enhanced regional visibility.

How to Prepare for Your Visit to EXP

Preparing for a free roam VR experience at Rosemont’s Pearl District debuts EXP, a 26,000-square-foot free roam VR venue designed to make history, science and imagination collide in stunningly immersive ways. To ensure comfort and maximize enjoyment during your untethered VR adventure, consider the following:

  • Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes suitable for walking and light movement.
  • Avoid loose accessories or jewelry that could interfere with VR equipment.
  • Keep hair tied back if it’s long, to prevent headset discomfort.
  • Stay hydrated but avoid heavy meals right before your session.
  • Arrive a few minutes early for orientation and safety briefing.

Being prepared allows you to fully immerse yourself in EXP’s groundbreaking virtual worlds without distraction.

Conclusion

EXP is an exciting new addition to the new VR attractions Rosemont Pearl District has to offer. This 26,000-square-foot free roam VR venue is designed to make history, science, and imagination collide in stunningly immersive ways. Whether you are a history buff, science enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique cultural experience, EXP delivers on all fronts.

The opportunity to walk inside Egypt’s Great Pyramid of Khufu or explore 3.5 billion years of Earth’s evolution is something you won’t find anywhere else in the Midwest. You don’t just watch stories unfold—you experience them firsthand. The freedom to move around these digital worlds with friends or family creates moments of shared discovery that linger long after your visit.

Rosemont’s Pearl District introduces EXP as a new type of destination—one where technology enhances storytelling and education equally. It encourages you to engage deeply with content that is both entertaining and enlightening.

Plan your visit this fall to experience:

  • Immersive VR adventures that blend art and science
  • A cultural catalyst bringing fresh energy to the Midwest
  • An innovative venue redefining how we connect with history and nature

EXP offers more than just an outing—it opens up a world of wonder. Don’t miss out on this chance to step into a future where imagination knows no limits.

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