There I was, on my knees with a gun to my head, taken hostage by the menacing thug Shanghai. Forced to surrender my belongings and don a red jumpsuit, this was not what I expected when I signed up for a tour of the historic DuPont Building in downtown Miami.
My tour group had been led into a room to watch a video on the 1930s Art Deco building when the Lisboa gang broke into the video feed to warn us about a heist that was going down of gold bars and money to be distributed to the poor and the people, and we had to help it happen – or else.
Our seemingly clueless guide then led us into another room where the gang burst in, led by Shanghai, a muscular threatening rebel, with guns blazing and took us all hostage! Seems the Lisboas had a fraction within that was not into giving the booty away!
I was pulled out of line (why me?) and had to repeat “This is NOT a time for heroes!” to make sure I would not try anything stupid.
As if!
But we had other members of the gang that were on to him and overpowered Shanghai to get us back into the “good” heist which meant finding codes and keys and clues in various other rooms to figure out how to break into the vault. This was no easy task as there were coins to sort through, computers to hack, crazed with power gang members to get past, and after donning the scary Dali face mask we finally end up at the vault to get the gold bars. What a blast!
The whole experience takes about an hour, with convincing actors and detailed, elaborate sets. Based on the hit series Money Heist on Netflix, this edition in Miami is boosted by the location – a former bank on the second floor of the DuPont building which has marble floors, soaring ceilings, and best of all a stunner of a real steel vault, several feet thick, built into the walls where the heist ends up.
You are forced to be a real actor in this setup, a real thrill if you’ve never done this sort of thing. No one breaks character, the sets are rich and detailed, and going along for the ride is a heart-pounding test of nerves.
This is a brand new story inspired by the hit series that lets you immerse into an experiential heist in Miami. It tests your nerves, you will find out if you have what it takes to infiltrate the vault and earn a spot in the gang.
Best of all, after the robbery, you get to hang out in the bank-themed bar with decorated sets for picture taking, appetizers, merchandise – the t-shirts are colorful and fun, and custom cocktails available.
You can’t take pictures during the actual heist, that would really ruin the vibe, so they have set up several sets for photos and allow you to keep on your red jumpsuit and Dali mask and gold bars you just, uh, borrowed, from the bank.
This is next-level large production stuff filled with surprises and tailored to the various locations, co-produced by Netflix and Fever, the leading entertainment discovery platform, so Money Heist: The Experience, makes for a high-energy theatrical event featuring a unique new storyline that is parallel to the show.
The groundbreaking series is in Spanish with English subtitles and has been airing since 2017. It’s become a worldwide hit along with these immersive interactive experiences, which pulls in both fans and those unfamiliar with the show.
Some online reviews rave: “Excellent actors! An incredible place and with many themed spaces. Total success!” Luis T.
“Amazing. The attention from all the staff is outstanding and the actors play an excellent role.” María A.
“Amazing experience, it was very worth it. It is something that I will have to repeat” Carlos J.
“One of the best experiences of my life. This experience is amazing. Very good quality of actors and actresses.” Gustavo H.
It’s currently across the street from The Van Gogh immersive experience at the historic Olympia Theater on Flagler Street in downtown Miami, giving some unexpected new life to this old Miami locale.
It’s fun and it’s wild, so let loose and let the heist begin if you dare.
If you visit:
Time: Friday – from 4 pm to 9 pm, Saturday and Sunday – from 11 am to 21pm
Duration: 60 to 75 minutes
Location: The Historic Alfred I. Dupont Building, 169 E Flagler St, Miami, FL 33131
Valet Parking is available at $5 for guests at 151 NE 1st Street, Miami, FL 33132 – please show your Ticket/QR code
Age requirement: 16+
This experience was designed with measures in place to mitigate the risk of spreading COVID-19. Please consult the FAQs of this experience if you have any questions.
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Gold, Guns and Hostages: Money Heist Hits Miami
