EXP Rosemont opens today, September 26, 2025, and we had the pleasure of experiencing it before it opened to give all of you the inside info! These immersive experiences are for ages 8 and up and are located in the Pearl District, across from Dave and Busters, and has free parking.
EXP stands for Expressions, Experiences, Explorations and their tagline is Step Into Stories That Move You, which describes it perfectly.
Turn Movie Night into an Immersive Expedition
Instead of sitting and watching a story unfold, at EXP you step inside it. You can choose from one of two expeditions, which will rotate over time. Before beginning, you enter basic information into a kiosk, which also denotes other members of your group. While you are in the virtual reality experience, the members of your group have each person’s name above their avatar so you can “see” each other. If there are other groups with you, you can also see their avatars so you don’t invade anyone’s personal space.
Then you enter into a massive, free-roaming space where the action comes to life all around you. It’s just realistic enough for you to feel like you are there, but not so much that you become confused. The guide brings you through and if you fall behind there are blue boxes on the ground to show you where you should be standing for the best experience. If you make a wrong turn, a pathway appears with footprints to get you back on track.
Opening Experiences: Ancient Egypt & Earth’s Origins
Horizon of Khufu
Journey back 4,500 years and explore the Great Pyramid of Khufu like never before. Sail down the Nile, enter secret chambers, and climb to the top of one of the world’s greatest wonders. They bring you through the pyramids and show you places that aren’t open to the public.
The storyline has periods of complete blackness, so you don’t know where you are for a few seconds, which was kind of freaky, but you have to trust that it’s not a mistake. The film ends with teaching you about the process of embalming and mummification. The guide tells you about the various gods that ancient Egyptians worshipped and brings you to an Egyptian funeral.
Life Chronicles
This time-traveling adventure tells the story of life on Earth from microscopic beginnings to the rise of dinosaurs, mammals, and modern wildlife. I’m sure kids would think the dinosaur encounters are fun. I didn’t have time to experience both films, but was told that Life Chronicles talks about the creation of the world and evolution, so I’m not sure what stance they take on those issues. The Life Chronicles expedition was co-produced by the Paris National Museum of Natural History.
Each immersive expedition lasts about 45 minutes and combines storytelling, education, and natural history museum resources for a one-of-a-kind experience.
The first permanent location for EXP is in Montreal, Canada, which is the PHI Studio headquarters. They mentioned that Horizon of Khufu ran for about a year before they switched out the experience, so there is more planned for the future.
Art, Learning & Local Connections
EXP isn’t just about VR thrills, it’s designed as a cultural hub. The space includes a gallery to feature local artists to enable them to show their work. They also have a charitable program that funds field trips for students.
There is also a gift shop in the entrance with fun and educational toys and games for kids.
Age Recommendations
The minimum age for EXP is 8 years old because of the VR headsets, however I would also recommend being at least that age for these immersive VR experiences. You need to understand that it’s not real while at the same time enjoying the scenery and experience.
There were times in Horizon of Khufu that we were walking on stone blocks high above the ground and the blocks started falling down as we walked. If I didn’t understand that I was still just walking in a big empty room, it would have been pretty scary.
This experience is great for tweens and teens looking for something different; it’s the most unique experience I’ve had in a long time and a bonding experience with family and friends. There’s potentially a lot to talk about afterwards too, like how you felt walking through another world, what your favorite part was, if you agree with the world views presented, and what you learned.
Special Needs Accommodations
EXP is all on one level and wheelchair accessible. Before you begin, there’s a kiosk where you enter your name and also select your mobility (walking or wheeling). If you have sensory sensitivities, I would not recommend this experience for you.
At the kiosk they also ask you if you want the regular experience or heightened. I get motion sick time to time, but I chose the heightened experience to see what it was like. There was only one time when we were standing on a platform and the film moves you through a tunnel when I felt a little woozy, but it wasn’t bad and didn’t set me back. However, if you experience motion sickness please be aware that there are times in the expeditions where you will feel dizzy.
Tickets
Tickets start at $27 and vary by day and time. Please note that taxes and fees are added to those prices. Family and group rates are available, as well as VIP tickets. Click here to purchase tickets.
Location
EXP
9900 Berwyn Ave
Rosemont, IL 60018
