Wake The Tiger, Bristol – A Living Dreamscape

Wake the Tiger, Bristol – A Room-by-Room Journey Through Meridia

Step through an unassuming portal in Bristol and you’ll find yourself in Wake the Tiger, the UK’s first “Amazement Park” — a sprawling, immersive art experience that blends storytelling, environmental themes, and sensory overload across more than 30 rooms. Wake the Tiger is a kaleidoscopic plunge into the surreal world of Meridia and the mysterious mycelium…

The Portal & The Dream Factory

• Entrance Hall: You begin in a faux real-estate office for “Meridia Luxury Homes,” where a mysterious mycelium has halted construction. This sets the stage for your descent into the alternate world of Meridia.

• Dream Factory: Once a bustling industrial hub, now reclaimed by nature and the surviving Meridians. It’s the heart of the experience, where four elemental guilds work to restore balance to their world.

Guild Rooms – The Four Forces of Meridia

Each guild represents a different elemental force and philosophy:

• The Guild of Earth: A moss-covered sanctuary filled with glowing fungi and bioluminescent gardens. It evokes themes of regeneration and resilience.
• The Guild of Water: A fluid, reflective space with rippling light effects and aquatic soundscapes. It’s meditative and mysterious.
• The Guild of Air: A gravity-defying room with floating objects, wind tunnels, and surreal cloudscapes. Expect a lightness and sense of freedom.
• The Guild of Fire: A kinetic, high-energy space with flickering lights, warm tones, and mechanical installations. It symbolizes transformation and passion.

The Mind-Bending Spaces

• Upside-Down Room: Furniture clings to the ceiling, challenging your perception of space.
• The Mushroom Forest: A glowing, enchanted grove where oversized fungi pulse with light — a favorite for photos and quiet awe.
• The Office of Curiosities: A steampunk-inspired study filled with cryptic notes, interactive drawers, and whispering walls.
• The Cavern of Echoes: A sound-reactive chamber where your voice triggers visual effects, making you part of the art.

The Outerverse (New Expansion)

• The Outerverse: A recently added section that expands the narrative beyond Meridia. It features futuristic landscapes, cosmic themes, and even more interactive puzzles. Be prepared to go on a mind bending, trippy journey in this part of the exhibition.

Amenities & Tips

• Café: Offers toasties, cakes, and drinks — including gin and coffees.
• Tickets: Visit Wake the Tiger for current prices and opening times
• Time Required: 2–3 hours or more to explore fully.
• Best Time to Visit: Mid-morning for quieter crowds and magical lighting.

Final Thoughts

Wake the Tiger isn’t just a visual feast — it’s a philosophical playground. Every room invites you to question, interact, and reflect. At points throughout my journey around the amazement park, I felt a surreal yet familiar sense of nostalgia, de ja vu, warmth and love. It was like nothing I’ve experienced in art before. I was excited to spot a note of Boomtown currency along the way, a little nod to the creative origins of Wake the Tiger.

Whether you’re a curious child, a creative adult, or just someone seeking wonder, this is a place where imagination runs wild and meaning hides in every corner.