Putting the pieces together

Interactive puzzle room challenges participants to escape by solving puzzles

Jackson Eilers

After entering the Riddle Room, 12 people have one hour to figure their way out of the room by solving numerous puzzles that rise in difficulty as each puzzle is solved.

Art Allen, proprietor of the company Modern Antics that created the Riddle Room, began the conception of the Riddle Room after hearing about similar concepts that existed in other parts of the country.

“I thought there would be a big interest, with enough people that would try it out,” Allen said. “There was nothing like in in Minneapolis and I knew some game designers, so we went from there.”

Opened in May 2014, the Riddle Room attracts a large group of people and is a worthwhile investment and has been pretty popular Allen said.

The Riddle Room hosts groups every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Those of groups with fewer than 12 people will join another group so that there is a total of 12 people.

“It is a really fun group game, working together to solve mysterious puzzles,” Allen said. “I think it is new and interesting.”

Through teamwork, problem solving and lots of puzzles, the Riddle Room lives up to its interactive description.

It is a unique concept and the group effort it requires to solve the puzzles makes it a good team building exercise junior Charlie Berg said.

“It would be a really fun and interactive way to spend your time with a bunch of friends,” Berg said. “The critical thinking and teamwork it requires is a cool part of the activity.”

Its concept would only attract a unique group of people, most wouldn’t see the interest in it Berg said.

The Riddle Room is located in Minneapolis near the University of Minnesota campus and individual tickets can be purchased for $25. Those of groups with fewer than 12 people will join another group so that there is a total of 12 people.