Vincent Lighting Systems is thrilled to celebrate Meow Wolf’s The Real Unreal for being named Best Location-Based Experience in the World at the 2025 IAAPA Brass Ring Awards!
This prestigious recognition was announced at IAAPA Honors, an international celebration of innovation and creativity in the attractions industry, hosted this year at Europa-Park Resort in Germany. The IAAPA Brass Ring Awards shine a spotlight on the world’s most inspiring achievements in themed entertainment—and Meow Wolf didn’t just take home one award, but two.
Alongside Grapevine’s win, Meow Wolf Houston’s Cowboix Hevvven—a trippy, interdimensional dive bar tucked inside the experience—was awarded Best New Build in Food & Beverage.
Being honored by IAAPA, a global leader that connects the most imaginative minds in immersive entertainment, is no small feat. The Brass Ring Award for Best Location-Based Experience recognizes outstanding storytelling, design, and guest impact—and The Real Unreal embodies all of that and more. From mind-bending visuals to deeply personal narratives woven into every corridor, Grapevine’s world continues to push boundaries and redefine what a destination experience can be.
This win is a testament to the passion and imagination of the Meow Wolf artists, fabricators, technicians, collaborators, and partners who brought The Real Unreal to life. We’re especially proud to be part of the team that helped illuminate the magic behind the scenes—lighting the extraordinary alongside Meow Wolf’s creative vision.
Congratulations to everyone who made this possible. And to those who haven’t yet stepped into The Real Unreal—consider this your sign.
Learn more about The Real Unreal in our Case Study: https://vls.com/news/case-study-meow-wolf-the-real-unreal/
Explore more about the awards:
Amusement Today Article
Gilmer Mirror Coverage
Dive deeper into the world of Meow Wolf here: https://meowwolf.com/
