After 2020, we could all use a FRIEND…
…luckily, The FRIENDS™ Experience has re-opened in Chicago and is now open in NYC! Created by Superfly X, Warner Bros. Consumer Products and Warner Bros. Television Group, fans can explore Friends like never before with set re-creations, original props and costumes, photo ops and more.
“A Unique Set of Experiences”
“We’ve created a unique set of experiences in NYC and Chicago that immerse you in the center of your favorite Friends moments within an environment that prioritizes your health and safety, said Jonathan Mayers, CEO, Superfly X. “This innovative new format gives fans a rare opportunity to step into the center of their favorite shows and relive the moments that mean the most to them.” The Friends Experience remains “Monica Clean” and is taking measures throughout the space to ensure a safe environment for its staff and guests. Safety protocols and procedures at the Experience include but are not limited to social distancing, requiring masks, non-invasive temperature checks and thorough cleaning and sanitization measures. Learn more about the enhanced cleaning and safety protocols at www.FriendstheExperience.com/Chicago or www.FriendstheExperience.com/New-York.
“Monica Clean” sanitizing stations at “The One in New York City”.
As with the previous Friends Experience iterations, JRA collaborated with Superfly X’s internal creative and production teams to provide planning, design, and implementation for “The One in Chicago” and “The One in New York City”, with fabrication provided by Chicago Scenic Studios.
FRIENDS NYC
Monica’s living room at “The One in New York City”.
“The One in New York City” is located at 130 East 23rd Street (the corner of 23rd St and Lexington Ave). The interactive space features 18 nostalgia-packed rooms and activations, including Monica’s kitchen and balcony and the iconic Friends fountain. The space provides opportunities to explore the show’s history and re-create your favorite moments, including taking a photo on the orange couch in front of the fountain, sitting in Monica’s kitchen, or posing with your partner in front of the Las Vegas wedding chapel where Ross & Rachel infamously tied the knot. Guests can reserve a timed entry to visit with a ticket starting at $45.00, plus taxes and fees. In addition, guests visiting The Friends Experience in New York City can also enjoy access to an onsite Central Perk with a coffee bar, pastries, and desserts. The café will also be open to the public daily at 7 AM ET; with closing time to vary. Tickets are currently available through May 31 at www.FriendstheExperience.com/New-York.
Ross & Rachel wedding chapel at “The One in New York City”.
Joey and Chandler’s kitchen at “The One in New York City”.
“The One with the Turkey Head” at “The One in New York City”.
FRIENDS CHICAGO
Monica’s kitchen at “The One in Chicago”.
“The One in Chicago” is located at The Shops at North Bridge on the Magnificent Mile at 540 N. Michigan Ave. (the corner of N. Michigan Ave. and E. Ohio St.). The interactive, two-story experience features 12 nostalgia-packed rooms and activations including Monica’s kitchen and balcony and the iconic Friends fountain. The space provides opportunities to explore the show’s history and re-create some favorite moments, including peeking around Rachel and Monica’s purple door, relaxing in Chandler and Joey’s recliner, or helping Ross with the infamous sofa pivot. And of course, the space features a re-created Central Perk with the legendary orange couch, where fans can be like Phoebe and serenade their friends. The experience also includes a Friends retail store, featuring several exclusive products, that is also open to non-ticketed guests. The Friends Experience: The One in Chicago originally opened October 1, 2020 before temporarily closing in mid-November due to city COVID-19 mandates. Following its initial run, the Chicago location was accredited as a STAR™ facility by the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC).
The Friends Experience: The One in Chicago runs through May 31. Admission is $35.00, plus taxes and fees, and guests can reserve their timed entry tickets at www.FriendstheExperience.com/Chicago.
Featured image: Central Perk at “The One in Chicago”.