Mercer Labs (Museum of Art and Technology) is the first fully immersive museum in New York, located in a landmark spot right across from the Oculus and the World Trade Center. It’s a place where art and technology merge to create not just visual displays, but experiences.
About the Museum
The idea for Mercer Labs came from artist Roy Nachum — Grammy-nominated for designing Rihanna’s 2016 Anti album cover and known for his large-scale installations for James Lebron.
The museum’s mission is to show that art today is felt rather than simply seen. Instead of traditional paintings or sculptures, every room is part of one vast installation, where visitors become participants.
According to the creators, the more open you are to new sensations, the more powerful your experience will be.
Mercer Labs is not a conventional exhibition. It’s a state of immersion, where digital technology, sound, light, and tactile design come together to evoke emotion and awareness.
About the Exhibitions
Mercer Labs features a variety of spaces designed to engage multiple senses:
- Sound Room — dozens of high-end speakers produce an otherworldly composition that vibrates through your body. Deep bass frequencies make the floor tremble, creating a physical connection to sound.
- Light and Steam Installations — fog-filled environments where light becomes sculptural, shaping the perception of endless space.
- Tactile Galleries — soft wall textures, dense air, and sensory materials invite touch and physical engagement, evoking the feeling of stepping into another dimension.
The entire museum is styled with futuristic aesthetics: staff wear sleek, uniform-like outfits reminiscent of spaceship crew members from a sci-fi film.
There’s also a touch of playfulness — like the pink room filled with artificial flowers, a nod to the popular Instagram-friendly museums such as the Museum of Ice Cream. Yet overall, Mercer Labs goes beyond visual spectacle to invite reflection on the relationship between art, perception, and technology.
Visitor Information
Address: 21 Dey St, New York
Admission: $52
Website: mercerlabs.com (online booking available)
Recommended visit duration: 60–90 minutes
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes — many installations are designed for standing and movement.
