Love the Imaginarium, BUT for the complex clues an hour is WAY too short of a time for 4 people. For 200 dollars we definitely did not come close to getting a fair shake for our dollars. An hour and a half to two hours is much more reasonable, affordable and fair. In addition the sound is way too low for people who have hearing deficiencies. I know the idea is to be mysterious, but the sound negatively affected our fun. And the greeter was too soft spoken also, barely audible. When you're excited to play you don't want to miss a beat. I hope someone from the org makes changes. read more

Very challenging! Rivaled one we did in London. Sadly only got through two rooms (how many were there in total?!). They gave us hints only when we were really really stuck. Loved it and can't wait to do their other story!! read more

our group of 4 did Inventors Paradox - honestly i'm thoroughly impressed by how intricate this escape room was. i've seen other reviews claiming it wasn't hard but as someone who has done a ton of escape rooms, we still didnt escape. totally worth the price and would go again. just expect to really think!! read more

We definitely feel this was the best escape room we've done. We've done quite a few in different states and by far this was the most interactive. Even the hostess was very much in character and started the role playing before even getting in the room. Once you get in the room, your hour starts so technically the pre-show was a bonus! We did the Inventor's Paradox and didn't make it all the way through...the last room was tough! This would be of our choice of escape rooms when we visit Pittsburgh again! read more

Enter the Imaginarium - Escape Games Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

I think it might be closed or moving but these were easily the best escape rooms I've ever done and I did 3 of them here. They were going to change it every now and again but hopefully they're just moving to a more high profile place although I loved that they were in Harmar. read more

We were a group of 7, six who have done a variety of escape rooms before, who Entered the Imaginarium. Mind's Eye was a different style of escape room than we had previously experienced. It was a great change! The story line was creative, the puzzles clever and challenging, but not frustrating. Everyone was able to actively participate, and we didn't feel like we were in each other's way since the room had ample space. Expert and novices all felt that they could make a contribution. We highly recommend you Enter the Imaginarium whether you are a new escape room participant or an experienced puzzler. read more

Wow, wow, wow. I don't even know how to review Enter the Imaginarium, because I don't want to give anything away! The experience starts as soon as you walk into the lobby, so be prepared! My large group was split into two rooms. The group I was with did the Inventor's Paradox room, and the other group did the Search for Leviathan. Everyone had such a great time! My group was able to escape, but the other group did not, so we earned some bragging rights there! Since we were such a large group, they opened early just for us, which was just awesome. It was a super immersive experience, and our guide was really friendly and (mostly) stayed in character. As soon as we escaped from our room, I immediately wanted to do another one, so I'll definitely be back sometime soon! Really really unique experience, and I truly have no complaints! read more

Before I begin, my wife and I have done about 115+ rooms across about six states. We don't get paid in free games or anything like that. We are just enthusiasts. We judge rooms based on production value (how nice the room is/theme/ambiance/prop quality/storyline etc), puzzles (do they make sense, are they logical, do they fit the theme, etc), and a few other random things. Of all of the rooms I have been to, this venue is by far the best venue with the best rooms. There's many reasons for this, but if you are looking for a room to do in Pittsburgh area, or are willing to drive a reasonable distance, book the room and then come back and finish reading. Here are all the great things about the place: - Every employee takes their job seriously and they never come out of role. This goes from the moment you check in until the moment you leave, and during the briefings. At first I thought it was really hokey, and most people do the first time they hear it, but at the end of the day, it really adds value. - The venue, once you get past the sign in area, is just positively amazing. It looks like it could be a movie set or a disney set that they have while you wait in line (if you been inside some of the rides that have decorations and props while you wait to get you in the theme or mood, you'll understand what I mean here). - The rooms are huge. This is probably one of the only venues I've ever been to where the rooms can handle the amount of people they advertise for. I have taken 10 people to a room (usually our limit is 4-6 when going with friends, and 95% of the time we are playing by ourselves), us and eight more inexperienced players, and we had plenty to do and plenty of room to move. - The sets are just amazing. I can't tell you enough how great they are. We are set to do Leviathan within the next couple weeks, but have done the other two...and the inventor's paradox in particular is just WOW. - The puzzles make sense, they are logical, and they are not always easy. And that's important. They're not easy but they still make sense. I can make a lot of random puzzles that don't make sense, which inherently makes them more difficult, but that doesn't mean the puzzle is good. - The themes are not your usual escape room tropes. They're completely original ideas, or at least ideas we have never seen elsewhere. You're not going to find Bank Heists, Hostage situations, and all the other typical themes you find everywhere else. If I had to complain: - Sometimes when they give the clue, because they remain in role, it can be hard to understand what they are saying. They speak as if they are members of a cult, and sometimes I've had to ask them to repeat the clues. It's not worth taking a star away, but if they are reading this, just make sure you are really clear when you speak. read more

This is a "must-do" escape room company if you are anywhere near Pittsburgh! We have played over 250 escape rooms and traveled to Pittsburgh specifically for these games ... they did not disappoint! These games are full immersion and the scenery is fantastic. These are top-tier rooms and not to be missed! read more

We had a team meet-up in Pittsburgh this year and one of our after-hours team events was at Enter the Imaginarium. I was skeptical at first - even had tickets to see a band play at Mr. Smalls theatre and almost skipped out on the event. I am so glad I went though - this was the highlight of the trip! First of all, the production value was extremely high. I really felt immersed in the scene. Second - the puzzles were extremely challenging. The feeling of satisfaction when you completed a puzzle and something on the other side of a room magically opened was awesome. It was so much fun... Like.... I need to go back and do the other "experience" when I'm back in town. I cannot recommend Enter the Imaginarium enough - GO! It's so good. read more

We have done many escape rooms mostly in Los Angeles and this one blew our socks off! My husband and I braved the Inventors Paradox with our kids and their cousins 6, 8, 9, 11, and 13. The puzzles were very challenging, but we received the perfect level of support to make sure we actually escaped with seconds to go. Our only lesson learned was, if you bring kids, just assure them that they are never actually locked in and there may be low lighting, but nothing is going to jump out at them :) Do not miss! read more

I've done all the of their available escape rooms. Each has their own story that interconnects with the stories of the other rooms. My favorite part is how the whole experience is immersive from beginning to end, even with great covid compliance! Would recommend to anyone! read more

This place was awesome. From the minute you walk through the door until the end the challenges are great. Atmosphere was perfect. Each room was amazing. Although we didn't quite escape (we were so close), we would do this again no problem. read more

They create a fun, immersive, challenging environment. My family resolved to visit again next holiday season! Unfortunately, we were about a minute away from opening the final door (we just learned the code). A few unintuitive hiccups along the way slowed us down (hence the imperfect score). read more

Outstanding experience. Have done several escape rooms, this is far and away the best I have ever experienced. Highest recommendation possible. read more

Easy 5 star review. The location is a bit odd but once you get inside, none of that matters. I have been to one other "escape room" type game before and this was head and shoulders above that experience. Without giving anything away, the experience starts the second you walk in the door. There are at least 5 different rooms that are incorporated into the game and every design element is well thought out, contributes to the theme, and really adds to the experience. I almost wish I wasn't rushing to "escape" and had more time just to explore the rooms! The entire experience is jam packed with different components, red-herrings, unique puzzles, riddles and mind games. The "mystery" incorporates almost every one of your senses. Our group escaped, but it was definitely down to the wire! I would recommend doing this with friends, coworkers or strangers. Our group was a mish-mash of couples, trios and solo players and it worked out great! One other thing to note....it's not scary! I guess it could be for little kids, but I'm kind of a wuss and I was fine. Definitely check this out! Well worth it. I can't wait for their next experience. read more

So immersive! We got here every year and it never disappoints. The actors monotone voices make it funny because of their sarcastic comments. If you've been here, you know what I mean. I highly recommend this! read more

Absolutely phenomenal escape room experience - immersive, creative, awesome. I would not hesitate to recommend this place for friends or for coworkers. read more

Loved it. My wife and I came to try out the Inventor's Paradox room. The experience itself is amazing, and we cannot wait to try out the other two rooms in the future. read more

GO! GO NOW! (Well, check to see if they are open and make reservations first). If you are looking for a fun night out be it a date night, a family night, a team building session, or anything like it THIS is the place you need to go. I have wanted to go to an escape room for quite a while and I had some Grinch's who thought it wouldn't be fun. (Oh the joy of having young adult children!). I picked the Imaginarium after doing a lot of research. PEOPLE! LISTEN TO ME! If you really want the full immersion experience then THIS is where you need to go. We had seven people in our group. Once we pulled up we met another couple who said that they were going in with our group. They were experienced escapees. They had done over a dozen. They loved doing them so they were going everywhere to do them. Once everyone in our group arrived we buzzed into the building to let them know we were there. We were told to enter. I can't share anything after that because I signed a waiver saying that I wouldn't. #truestorybro This is what I CAN tell you. , , ,we failed. It wasn't for lack of trying. Goodness me . . .we worked our tails off to tackle the clues. Our group was made up of some pretty smart people. HIGH IQs!! I have to admit that had we not been grouped with that experience couple I don't think we would have made it far at all. Afterwards they told us that this was the best but hardest one they had been to. However, Once we got the hang of it our brains were worked to their capacity. The gentleman who guided us through and gave little helps along the way did a fantastic job. Oh, and those young adults ??? LOVED IT!!!! In fact they want to go back and go through the other experience. NOT EVEN KIDDING. The Imaginarium has two experiences. They change them every 8 months. So GO!!! Take your family, friends, and people you don't know. I know it's only May but I'm thinking what a great Christmas gift for a family with older kids. You could even take a group as a birthday celebration. SO MANY OPTIONS. JUST GO!!!!! read more

Enter the Imaginarium - Escape Games Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

We have been to two escape rooms at the Imaginarium. Both were great. Their set up is amazing. Definitely worth going

UNFORGETTABLE!! "Do you think they would let us purchase a ticket right now and go through it again?" That was a statement from my husband when we finished the game. Everyone agreed, we so wanted to get the things open that we couldn't figure out. We will talk about this for the rest of our lives. We live in Southern California and visit family in Ohio, so our next trip out, we will be planning our trip around our departure from Pittsburgh airport back home. We have to depart later so we have time to swing in for a game. My Sister loved Davids character and how he was so convincing from start to finish. Your personal service with booking and accommodating our party of 10 with add ones and cancelations then add ones again was refreshing. You guys really aim to please and your very understanding and professional. Thank You UNFORGETTABLE!!!! read more

By far the most fun and most immersive escape room I have seen. We absolutely loved the Chamber of Illusion. From the moment you step in the door you are in the game and we all loved that. I went with my family and my best friends family for a private event so we had a wide range of ages. We definitely needed the entire group of ten, everyone was constantly doing something to help with a puzzle. The puzzles are very challenging and they know exactly how to help you just enough when you get stuck. I think it was the perfect level of difficulty because we escaped with just enough time to spare. FYI the parking lot was a little confusing to get around because from where the sign to enter is, you have to go around to the other side of the fence to pull in and park by the front door. read more

If I could give less then 1 star i would. With the coronavirus places are being closed, this place was one. Now they refuse to give a refund. Horrible business when people are in a time of need for their money and you wont issue refunds. read more

I'm sure they are good when there isn't a crisis going on but durning a crisis you would expect them to be a decent human. I lost my job, I have no money coming in, unemployment is backed up. I need this money to live and help pay bills, but they are refusing to give a refund. I wouldn't care but it was $200+ I spent, which could help me out. So beware everyone they will only think about themselves in an emergency. read more

I was really looking forward to this escape experience after watching several videos on YouTube and reading about the immersive experience. Our group has completed many escape rooms and most we escape, but not all. It was really hard to hear any announcements or hints. When we asked to have them repeated, sometimes they were, sometimes there were not. Unless your group was quiet and you were standing next to a speaker, you missed the beginning part of the information. Other rooms we have done give 3 bells or sound before so people know something is going to be announced. Most game masters we have encountered want the group to have a good time. There was nothing to take notes on and we didn't know if we could use our phones. There were a few times we were really stuck and asked for a hint, clue, or just to make sure we were on the right track and there was no response from the game master, not even to say that there were no hints available. I also thought it was really hard to follow the logic of some of the clues and there didn't seem to be enough information provided to solve them. I'm not mad that we didn't escape, I'm just frustrated with the overall experience compared to other rooms. Even when we arrived, the person who answered the buzzer wasn't especially friendly or helpful when we asked questions about the waiver. read more

Very well themed. In fact, I'd say that it was the best themed escape venue I've been to, and it's not even close. No doubt this has a lot to do with it being ran Bricolage Productions, a Pittsburgh theater group that is part of a strong movement in the area to create immersive theatrical experiences for its audiences. Before even entering the actual Imaginarium we were presented with brain teasing scenarios and a fully committed game master. Without spoiling, I will only say that the events and environments that preceded the main attraction were more challenging and more amazing than a lot of escape rooms out there. By the time we finally entered the room we had booked, the promise of a transcendent escape experience had been cemented. Or so I thought. Don't get me wrong, it was fine, but the room itself failed to live up to hype of it's queue, and in particular the last room where we spent most of our time was pretty disappointing. The theming of the first room, which I'll call the clock room and leave it at that, was still very good, but not as good as all that had led up to it. But the library, though well decorated, didn't deliver an experience that made me feel as though I was in someone's mind, as the description and preamble suggested. It was just a library, one that blasted unintelligible audio on occasion to try and force the issue. And then the game mechanics themselves left a lot to be desired. Too many red herrings. Too much tedious work with underwhelming payoffs. Multiple jumps in logic that failed to connect the clues sequentially, relationally, or narratively. I mean there's difficult and then there's Capcom designs a +20 mythic dungeon for World of Warcraft difficult, and that's not to suggest I don't like a challenge, but maybe if there's only 4 of us we can UUDDLRLRBA this thing and have a shot at solving it. Perhaps the worst part was that there were way too many pieces that failed even when they had been solved conceptually, such as malfunctioning locks and imprecise patterns, though competing with that type of flaw was the game master's poorly timed assistance, both jumping in too soon when we we're on our way towards solving something, or waiting too long while we spun our wheels on obvious mechanical flaws and less obvious red herrings. I could write several paragraphs about how immersive the experience had been prior to entering the room, but it would certainly spoil it, and as a result my review might leave the impression that this is something you ought to skip. You shouldn't. Despite the disappointment of the escape room itself, the entire party left awestruck by this place, and anyone who likes escape rooms or fun houses or larp or dark rides should visit the imaginarium. I just think if you're an experienced escape room player and you know going in that the room itself is going to be leave a lot to be desired, you can just enjoy everything that's great about this place. I don't know how to measure this against more mundane escape rooms that have better game design. It's a bit like comparing Disney to Six Flags - the latter will often provide the more satisfying rides, but the former delivers immersive, detailed environments that make the overall experiences more enjoyable despite the often quaint, mild, dated, and flawed elements of the rides themselves. Except in this case one spends a much larger portion of their time in the actual attraction, and waiting for an escape room never compares to the misery of waiting in a six flags line for a roller coaster, so the Imaginarium doesn't benefit as much from its superior pre-attraction theming. Still, with new escape rooms popping up every day, the Imaginarium stands out from the crowd. You're not likely to find anything like it. I have a feeling that the same thing that makes it unique is also the same thing that keeps it from fulfilling its potential: being operated by a theater group. They are redefining the escape room experience, but they need some experienced and successful game masters to refine the rough edges of the game play. read more

My friends and I had such a fun time! The whole experience we suspenseful and engaging for all eight of us! The props were appropriate and sneaky with the escape room! The staff was well versed and played the part! We definitely want to go back to try another room! read more

Well done. So fun. Can't wait to go back! And no we didn't escape. The website was a little confusing. Or was it just me? Two of our teammates didn't make it because they thought it was at Bricolage downtown. read more

After a previous experience at an Escape Room which shall not be named, I thought this sort of activity wasn't my bag. Enter, "Enter the Imaginarium." This place KNOWS WHAT THEY'RE DOING. When you "Enter," it's as if you're on a movie set - very impressive production values. From start to finish, our group had a blast. We escaped from BOTH rooms where I found the clues to be challenging, yet not impossible. The entire experience was top-notch. Seriously, skip all the others. I promise, it's worth the trip to Harmarville! read more

Wow! So fun and great, outstanding customer service! We had a booking issue (my fault, misunderstood the rules) and they worked with us to find a mutually agreeable situation. The escape room was HARD, but not to the point of frustration. We werent very excited to have people we didn't know participating with us, but they helped us to understand how to work through the clues and, in the end, we were all working together to solve the clues and when we escaped, we all cheered and high-fived like old friends. We wouldn't have escaped without the entire group working cooperatively. I cant compare this experience to another as it was our first time, but it was very immersive and well thought out. We had two children with us around age 12. One loved it and the other was disappointed with his own ability to solve, but both thought it was cool. For kids younger than their age minimum, you have to purchase the entire room. I wouldn't recommend, especially if you are new to the experience. The puzzles do require some extra thought and if only my family of two children and two adults had been playing, I believe we would have failed and been frustrated. read more

Best looking room I have done. A lot more puzzles than an other one too. Only had 3 people. A lot of fun a difficult room. May you read the window! read more

This was a blast. So much fun. Really perfect for a big group!!! Did it with friends. We had a ton of fun. It's full of twists and turns and drama and fun. Great for a birthday party. Or any other reason to gather with friends. read more

Phenomenal. Our group has done 7 escape room games, including las vegas, and this game blows them all out of the water. The experience from start to finish is organized, entertaining and movie set worthy. WELL worth the admission price if that is a hesitation. Easily the best in Pittsburgh given presentation, effects, puzzles and detail. You can tell the professionals at Scarehouse took the escape room concept to another level. There are no jump scares, only eerie occurrences, so if the scare factor is a hesitation, do not let that hold you back. read more

We have been to close to 10 escape rooms now, and this is by far the best one we have tried! The extent of the space and the immersiveness of the experience distinguished this from a typical escape room. The participants have to sign an NDA so I can't say too much, but a lot of the puzzles seemed somehow more magical here than in a typical ER where you just take apart the room and solve a bunch of puzzles in brute force. This was a more phased and coherent experience. Hints were provided automatically without our prompting at just the right level so the experience was not spoiled but kept us moving along. We still did not quite escape but were about 1 minute away! read more

Celebrated a birthday with a new level of family game night. We all had a last including my skeptical husband. We will be back & highly recommend Imaginarium to everyone. read more

I used to play lots of escape the room computer games as a kid so I was excited to try it out in real life. The Imaginarium far exceeded our expectations. Every bit of the experience was choreographed and immersive. The game itself was challenging and we just barely escaped with seconds to spare. This was some of the most fun I've had in a long time and I'm also looking forward to trying out the other room they offer! read more

Being an escape room junkie (my 8th escape) I can say that this is by far the best one in the Pittsburgh area. The experience from beginning to end is very immersive. They offer two different rooms, both of which I have done and did not make it out. This is much more than your typical solve puzzles and escape. I recommend going with more than 4 people as there is so much to do. If you are a Potter fan you will appreciate the air of magical mystery throughout the rooms. It reminds me of a He Who Shall Not Be Named lair read more

Thank you to the "Order"! Had a ton of fun.. Very well appointed. Challenging and keeps you wanting more, the hour goes fast! Assistance comes just when you need it. Very professional. Will go again. read more

This was the absolute best escape room experience we've ever had, having visited 20+ escape rooms. We were a group of 4 (although we definitely would have benefited from having a few extra team members), and enjoyed the entire experience. The production level is fantastic. This is not a scary or "haunted house" style experience. It definitely is an immersive experience. I would recommend this to anyone who has tried escape rooms and been successful in the past. I think it could be a bit overwhelming for someone that has never participated in this type of game. Overall - a 10/10, one of most fun experiences i've had! read more