Looking for an escape from this past year? Who isn’t? Elsewhere at the Madcap Motel is the newest Instagram pop up museum in Los Angeles that you’ve likely seen popping up on your feed. But this isn’t just another “selfie museum.”
Kevin and I have been waiting to check this place out ever since it was planned to first open (back in early March 2020). Wait, that date sounds so familiar? Oh that’s right. There was that whole global pandemic, putting everyone on lockdown. But over a full year later, the Madcap Motel is back in business in downtown LA’s Art District. And we have to say, the wait was well worth it.
Instagram Pop Up Museum in Los Angeles: What Sets Apart Elsewhere at the Madcap Motel
The Madcap Motel combines experiential trends like Instagram playgrounds and immersive theater into a wondrous experience. Through a seemingly normal 1960’s-themed motel room, guests merge through different dimensions to uncover an interactive series of 19 whimsical and thought-provoking adventures.
Time to Check In: A Motel That is So Much More
We love Instagram museums and over the years have done everything from the famed Ice Cream Museum to the COVID-era “drive through” pop up experiences and even a pizza pop up museum that made us a little sick to our stomach for a few days after. Clearly, some pop ups are much better than others! However, the creators of the Madcap Motel have done something unlike any of the others before it. They’ve created a theatrical experience that channels the fun and carefree spirit of the 1960s, mixed with artistic photo backdrops.
Upon walking in, we were greeted by the motel check-in staff who informed us that our room was nearly ready. And suggested that if we had “any emotional baggage” we would be able to “check it at the front desk before entering our room.” Amazing!
My husband Kevin is always up for any adventure I spring on him. I gotta give him credit. But he looked a little confused and asked, “Wait, are we staying here tonight?” Clearly, I need to do a better job explaining our date night plans. And in case you’re wondering, no, this isn’t a real hotel where you can stay overnight. But it is very convincing.
Entering the Portal to Elsewhere
As we ventured to room 433, rumored to give us access to a hidden portal to another dimension, I could tell my husband looked concerned as he asked, ” This isn’t going to be scary, is it?” In short, it isn’t! Everything about the Madcap Motel is upbeat and fun. Without giving TOO much away, the general gist is that you’re following the wild ride of the motel founder J.P. Sando to reach “elsewhere” (where you’ll get to take some awesome photos and meet interesting characters along the way).
More than Just a “Selfie Museum”: Elsewhere at the Madcap Motel
We were impressed at just how large this museum stretched. And felt like we should have followed our Google Maps in navigating the place. I can’t tell you how many times we asked each other, “Wait, did we go through this room yet?” It was fun just wandering and getting thoroughly lost.
In total, we spent about 1 hour inside the Madcap Motel. Though, we took our time checking out each display, talking with the actors and snapping photos. Before transporting back to reality, the experience wraps up with a big magical surprise (that you’ll have to experience yourself). No spoilers here!
We personally loved that the drop off point back to reality is at the motel’s gift shop. So appropriate, right? It’s here where you can purchase all of the Madcap Motel swag that your heart desires.
The Madcap Motel is located right in the heart of DTLA’s Arts District, making a fun date night out. We made it a whole evening experience, and grabbed some late-night dinner and drinks afterward at Cha Cha Cha, a rooftop restaurant that specializes in Mexican food (as the latest venture coming in from Mexico City).
THE LOW DOWN:
- Elsewhere at the Madcap Motel isn’t just another “selfie museum.” Though you’ll get some incredible photos here.
- Is it COVID compliant? Absolutely. Everyone must wear masks inside and the place is cleaned throughout the experience. We noticed staff constantly disinfecting and wiping every surface. It felt completely safe.
- It is open Thursdays-Sundays, with entry times spaced out every 30 minutes throughout the day, with the last entry at 9 PM.
- Tickets are $40 for adults (age 12 and over) and $30 for children (4-11).
- Advanced reservations are required. You can purchase them directly on the Madcap Motel website here.
Looking for other ideas for special occasions? Be sure to visit all of our recommendations here, including 5 secrets spots in LA you (probably) never knew existed (but should!). Looking for ideas on what to see and do during your staycation? Check out our ideas and itineraries for a fun weekend in downtown LA. Looking for a place to stay? Check out our feature on the hotel in downtown with the best views of Los Angeles.
