Imagine stepping into a world where fantasy and technology blend seamlessly, and you become the hero of your own story. That’s exactly what the Verse Immersive Holographic Theater offers in downtown Chicago. Designed to captivate both kids and adults alike, this innovative experience uses cutting-edge augmented reality glasses to create a vivid, interactive universe. Whether you’re looking for a fun family outing, a unique date idea, or a solo adventure into the digital frontier, this 30-minute journey packs a punch for a surprisingly reasonable price.
What we really like about this experience is its no-motion-sickness AR setup, which means you can walk, gesture, and speak without feeling disoriented—an issue often found with virtual reality experiences. Plus, the variety of scenarios—from wielding magic to fighting life-sized dinosaurs—ensures there’s something for all. The only potential consideration? It’s a quick trip, so if you’re craving a longer or more in-depth experience, you might want to pair it with other Chicago attractions. Still, for an unforgettable, tech-driven adventure, this tour hits the mark for travelers seeking value, novelty, and high-quality interactive entertainment.
This experience suits a wide range of travelers: families with kids, couples looking for a fun date, or groups of friends eager for something truly different. If you’re curious about new ways to explore storytelling and technology, and you enjoy immersive, participatory activities, this is definitely worth considering.
Key Points

- First-of-its-kind holographic theater in Chicago offers a truly unique, interactive adventure.
- Uses augmented reality glasses—no motion sickness, just pure wonder.
- A variety of choose-your-own-adventure scenarios—from magic to dinosaurs.
- Ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers seeking innovative fun.
- Quick 30-minute sessions provide high entertainment value at a reasonable price.
- Small group size (max 15) ensures a personalized experience.
What is Verse Immersive? An Overview

Chicago’s Verse Immersive Holographic Theater stands out as the world’s first holographic theater, where technology meets storytelling in an engaging way. Instead of traditional stage shows or VR headsets that can make some people dizzy, this experience uses see-through augmented reality glasses. This means you stay fully aware of your surroundings and your friends or family members while interacting with the holograms.
The main appeal—you are the protagonist. The system projects holographic images into your field of view, allowing you to cast spells, explore galaxies, and engage with life-sized dinosaurs without any physical danger. The experience is described as perfect for those who want a visual spectacle combined with a touch of interactive play.
The theater is compact, with a maximum capacity of 15 participants. The setting is conveniently located at 108 N State St, easily accessible via public transportation, simplifying logistics for visitors. Since you receive a mobile ticket, no need to worry about paper—just scan and go.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Chicago.
The Experience Itself: What You Can Expect
Once you arrive, you’ll be fitted with your augmented reality glasses—lightweight, see-through devices that blend digital images with the physical world. The setup process is smooth, and the staff are friendly and helpful, ensuring you’re comfortable before starting.
You’ll then choose from a handful of interactive stories. One popular scenario involves wanding through space, where you can virtually stroll among planets and stars, or train and battle with holographic animals. Other options include casting magic spells—think Harry Potter but with a modern twist—and taming or fighting dinosaurs that are life-sized, looming, and surprisingly realistic.
The reviews highlight how time flies during the 30-minute session. One reviewer shared, “It was my daughter’s birthday, and we had an amazing time. I definitely will be returning.” Others appreciated the staff’s professionalism and the “smooth setup”, which made the whole process straightforward and comfortable.
The Interactive Element
The key to the experience is how users interact via voice and hand commands. This isn’t just passive viewing—you’re actively participating in the story, casting spells, navigating space, or engaging with holograms. This interactivity adds a layer of personalization and engagement that makes each session feel unique.
No Motion Sickness and Connectivity
Unlike some VR experiences, AR does not cause disorientation or motion sickness, making it accessible and enjoyable for a broad audience. Plus, since you can see your friends and surroundings through the glasses, group sessions are natural and social.
The Value of the Experience

At $39.99 per person, this tour offers a remarkable amount of entertainment for a short duration. You’re getting a high-tech, immersive adventure that combines storytelling, technology, and social interaction. Considering the novelty and the quality of the visuals, many reviews indicate that the price is well justified.
Some travelers mentioned the “amazing energy” and “stunning views” provided by the holographic displays, which surpass expectations for such a short experience. One reviewer called it “completely blew me away,” emphasizing how the atmosphere and visual effects create a memorable impression.
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Why It’s Worth It
Because it’s such a visual and interactive experience, it works especially well for families with kids, who love seeing dinosaurs up close or exploring space. For couples or friends, it’s a fun, shared activity that sparks conversation and laughter. The small group size enhances the sense of personal attention and makes the outing feel special.
How the Tour Fits Into Your Chicago Visit

Since the activity is centrally located near public transport, it’s easy to integrate into a day of sightseeing. The 30-minute duration makes it a perfect quick break between museum visits, shopping, or a walk along the Chicago River. You could easily combine this with other attractions like the River Architecture Tour or a visit to the Skydeck, all within a manageable half-day.
As a standalone activity, it offers a modern twist on entertainment, perfect for those wanting something different from traditional museums or theaters. Plus, with free cancellation, you can plan without worry, knowing you can adjust your schedule if needed.
Who Will Love This Experience

This is ideal for families looking for a fun, safe way to explore tech and storytelling together. Couples seeking a playful date or groups of friends wanting a unique shared experience will find it especially appealing. It’s also suitable for solo travelers who enjoy digital art and interactive experiences.
If you’re interested in technology and innovation or want a break from the usual sightseeing, this tour offers a refreshing and memorable outing. It’s especially good if you love to share new experiences with loved ones, thanks to its social, participatory nature.
Final Thoughts

The Verse Immersive Holographic Theater in Chicago offers a blend of storytelling, technology, and interactive fun that’s hard to find elsewhere. Its short, 30-minute sessions provide a high-impact, visually stunning experience at a reasonable price. The use of augmented reality glasses ensures everyone can enjoy the magic without discomfort, making it accessible for most travelers.
While it’s a quick trip, the quality of the visuals and the interactive elements make it well worth a try, especially for those craving something new and engaging. It’s a fantastic way to explore the future of entertainment—an experience that’s as playful as it is impressive.
If you’re in Chicago and want a unique, tech-forward adventure, Verse Immersive is certainly worth considering. It’s particularly suited for families, couples, or solo explorers who appreciate innovative storytelling and cutting-edge visuals.
FAQs

How long does the experience last?
The session lasts approximately 30 minutes, making it a quick but impactful adventure.
What is the price per person?
It costs $39.99 per person, offering a good value for a unique, high-tech experience.
Is transportation provided?
No, but the activity is located at 108 N State St, near public transportation options, making it easy to reach.
Are there any group size restrictions?
Yes, the maximum group size is 15 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
What kind of interactions are involved?
Guests use hand and voice commands to interact with holographic scenes, casting spells, battling dinosaurs, or exploring galaxies.
Is this experience suitable for children?
Yes, it’s great for families, and children usually love seeing holographic dinosaurs and space adventures.
Do I need prior experience with AR or technology?
Not at all. The staff will guide you through the setup and usage, making it accessible for everyone.
In all, the Verse Immersive Holographic Theater provides a fresh, engaging way to experience storytelling with state-of-the-art AR technology. It’s a compact but memorable slice of the future of entertainment—perfect for those in Chicago wanting to add a dash of wonder to their trip.
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