Prismajic, the immersive art creation of Jennifer Mosquera and Eric Jaenike opened just this past December 15 in the Colorado Mills Mall in Lakewood.
It is definitely worth a visit (even multiple visits), so thankfully it is easily accessible from Sixth Avenue, Colfax Ave. or I-70. (Look for it inside the mall, between Burlington Coat Factory and the Yard House restaurant.) Also, Prismajic anchors the “40 West Arts District”, which runs along Colfax from Sheridan to Colorado Mills and features over 30 art galleries, cafes, restaurants, and boutiques, as well as public art.
Mosquera and Jaenike began the journey that led to Prismajic about ten years ago building immersive experiences for various clients. Then, in 2019, they opened Natura Obscura in partnership with a local museum. And now, Shiki Dreams, with this opening its first permanent immersive art installation. Shiki Dreams was originally a small pop-up from February 2020 to October 2021 that was named the “4th Best Immersive Experience” in the country by USA Today.
At Prismajic, Shiki Dreams is geared toward adults ($28 a ticket) but I believe them when they say kids love it, too. The different rooms of the experience are designed to engage all the senses through art and technology. You walk through striking, magical places – a garden, a forest – where surprise discoveries abound. And you can explore at your own pace, though it usually takes about an hour.
The rooms explore themes of nature and metaphors of life, engaging the senses, encouraging visitors to slow down and deeply see – it’s too easy in our daily lives to miss much of life – and to allow the parasympathetic nervous system overcome stress and fear. In one room it actually felt like a calmness was washing over me.
And while you are there, stop by The Night Owls, a café and cocktail bar to have a bite, craft cocktails (including zero-proof options), and well selected beer, and wine. And you don’t have to buy a ticket to Shiki Dreams to enjoy The Night Owls’ own immersive experiences, interactive art installations, and live performances. It can be a destination itself or an escape from the hectic shopping of the mall. With a variety of meat and cheese boards with ingredients from local producers, empanadas from local company Lazo and large, soft pretzels made extra special by gourmet, award-winning mustards, it’s an ideal respite.
And as if all this isn’t enough, there is more to come. The folks here don’t stand still. They are already experimenting and planning expansions, additional experiences, new exhibits, more creative drinks and a menu evolution.
With an already impressive experience to build on, you should also plan to go back periodically to check what’s new at Prismajic. Sign up for their newsletter to keep up with offers and new developments.