Weed museum opens in New York: what awaits visitors to the House of Cannabis

The House of Cannabis (THC NYC) opens this Friday (April 7) in Soho. The new weed museum welcomes its visitors with a psychedelic "Room of Disorientation". But besides her, the institution has something to offer us, writes Time-out.

The House of Cannabis is full of exhibits that can tickle our senses. It also features cannabis-related art and science. This is the first such large-scale museum dedicated to weed in the world. It occupies a four-story building at 427 Broadway. There is something to see for both cannabis lovers and those who do not use it.

Tickets ($45) available for purchase ahead of the opening.

“Cannabis culture has a very rich and comprehensive history: music, art, social reform… No one has ever done anything like our museum,” said Marcel Frey, co-founder of THC NYC. – No one has yet created a cannabis house that combines all these ideas. We combine design and art. And telling the story of cannabis in a way that is truly uplifting and in line with what it is and its impact on human culture over the years.”

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She founded the museum with her husband, Robert Frey, a club owner in Las Vegas. The couple came up with the concept five years ago and have been working on bringing it to life ever since. Although it took several years to develop the project, THC NYC opened at just the right time. After all, not so long ago, recreational marijuana was legalized in New York.

No, you can't buy cannabis in the museum (we know this is the question that came to your mind when you finished reading the previous paragraph).

Inside THC NYC

The creative team, led by creative director Dan Kof, carefully thought out every inch of the space, leaving no hallways or stairs untouched. Here is what you will see inside.

Room of disorientation - psychedelic welcome

The mirrors and bright green lighting in the disorientation room really live up to its name. After exiting it, you will see a video about cannabis culture with references to Snoop Dogg and even Martha Stewart. Although the film celebrates this culture, it also speaks about the fight against drugs. And this creates the basis for the educational component of the museum.

The Euphorium, musical adventure

Next, you'll head to The Euphorium, a huge spinning disc you can sit or lie on while listening to music from The Doors to Santana. The impressive light show and hazy atmosphere in the hall are reminiscent of an adult carousel.

The Forum, exploring issues of social justice

The Forum section tells the real stories of New Yorkers about cannabis. They talk about how punishment for cannabis use disproportionately affects people of color. The museum, in collaboration with the Drug Policy Alliance, told five stories of people who have been personally affected by the War on Drugs.

The Joint, a rotating art exhibition

The Joint exhibition showcases the work of artists at the intersection of cannabis culture and art. The works presented there will be constantly changing.

The Grow, an urban cannabis growing site

A sea of ​​plants fill this space age plant farm. This is New York's first place to grow cannabis. You will be able to see all aspects of cannabis cultivation, from mother plants and clones to reproduction and the grand finale - the flowering or budding phase.

The Microverse, an exhibition of macro photography

After leaving the greenhouse, close-up photos of cannabis are waiting for you, taken by Chris Romijn of Kandid Kush. They showcase the beauty of the plant through almost alien imagery. Vibrant greens, pinks and oranges pop up in artworks hung on sparkling silver walls.

The Olfactory, aromatic delight

In this terpene aromatic room, the sense of smell comes into play. You will feel laughter, energy, sleep, creativity and calmness - all through smells. Ambient music, video and colorful design complete the experience.

Seed to Soul, poetry you step into

Rapper Curren$y has created an original poem for the museum that is projected onto the floor in a cave room. As you step inside, the image of your body is reflected on the wall and the words fill your figure.

The Hypnodrome, brain wave video

Finally, sit back in an easy chair and watch a 10-minute video that explores the question, “Can you feel high without being high?” This video installation was created by Benjamin Gordon. A visual artist tracked his brain waves while smoking weed. He “translated those patterns into this incredible immersive experience.”

What else to see

In addition to the museum, the building has a room called The Spot, designed for study, conversation and entertainment. As well as a lounge on the fourth floor and a retail space on the ground floor that sells glassware and clothing. There is also a cafe there.