Mercer Labs: A Fascinating Immersive Experience in New York City

There are outings in New York City that are fun, and then there are ones that feel like they open a new part of your child’s imagination. Our visit to Mercer Labs, the Museum of Art and Technology tucked into a former department store near the World Trade Center, was absolutely the latter. From the moment we stepped inside, I could tell this would be a day my 9-year-old would remember.

The transformation began as we put on protective shoe covers and walked into the first space. It was dimly lit, with soft ambient music echoing through a room full of mirrored surfaces and digital sculptures that floated above us like stars in a galaxy. My daughter stood still for a long moment, taking it in with an expression that was equal parts wonder and disbelief. She moved slowly through the space, eyes wide, soaking up every flicker of light as though she didn’t want to miss a single detail. Her usual chatter faded; she was completely absorbed.

Room after room offered new textures and surprises, interactive projections, kinetic installations, and spaces designed to be felt as much as seen. In one, she reached out instinctively, testing how her movements affected the shifting colors on the wall. In another, she found herself in a soft ball pit surrounded by glowing light. Instead of jumping in wildly, she eased in as if entering a secret world, letting herself disappear into the softness. There was something almost meditative in the way she moved, slow, curious, engaged with every sense.

One room in particular captured her in a way I hadn’t anticipated. A sound chamber, filled with pulsing rhythms and synchronized light, surrounded us entirely. She stood still, arms at her sides, her whole body responding to the sensations. It wasn’t playful in a traditional sense, but it moved her. I could see how deeply she was feeling everything, the sound, the space, the way her own presence seemed to shape what was happening around her. It was like watching her step into a story with no words, one that she didn’t want to end.

Throughout the visit, she showed a kind of focus and attention that’s rare for that age. Normally energetic and chatty, she slowed down, became reflective, and stayed present in a way that surprised me. Her curiosity shifted from excitement to something more contemplative—trying to understand how it all worked, how art and code could come together to create something so alive.

When we finally reached the last gallery, I could sense that she wasn’t ready to leave. She lingered in the final room, scanning the space as if committing it to memory. There wasn’t a rush toward the exit or a request for what was next. Just a kind of quiet contentment that this experience had offered something complete, something meaningful. As we walked out, I felt that she had not only enjoyed herself, she had connected with something deeper than entertainment.

Visiting Mercer Labs with a child this age is unlike any typical museum trip. There’s no pressure to interpret or explain. It invites curiosity in its rawest form, asking children to simply feel, respond, and move through spaces that are designed for wonder. It respects their intelligence and gives them the room to interpret the experience in their own way, through movement, stillness, emotion, and awe.

For parents of kids who are imaginative, sensitive, or just hungry for something different, Mercer Labs is a gift. It speaks to the part of a child that still believes the world is full of mystery. It nurtures creativity and introspection, without ever being didactic or overwhelming. It’s rare to find something that meets children exactly where they are, without asking them to be older or younger, just curious, just open.

This visit reminded me how powerful those kinds of spaces can be. Not only for children, but for us, too. Watching her move through Mercer Labs wasn’t just watching her have fun, it was watching her be inspired.

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About the Author: Tamir Rosenblum

Tamir Rosenblum is the founder of FunDay, an AI-powered platform revolutionizing family travel. With years of experience in tech and a deep expertise in understanding family travel dynamics, Tamir built a unique "Family Travel DNA" engine to deliver deeply personalized, real-time trip experiences. Passionate about making travel planning both magical and effortless for families, he leads a mission-driven company focused on innovation, data intelligence, and unforgettable journeys.