Situation
An Inside Look at the Rise and Fall of the Mob
Storyland’s team was tasked with redeveloping an immersive Las Vegas, Nevada attraction that gave visitors an inside look at the rise and fall of the Mob. We aimed to create an experience that would not only entertain, but also educate and foster empathy towards famous gangsters as real people beyond their lives of crime.
Solution
The Big Idea: Las Vegas Mob Experience
Our team designed the attraction from the ground up, encompassing story, set pieces, scene design, and visitor journey. We employed the latest video, audio, RFID, and personalisation technology to craft a unique experience for each visitor. Using real-life Mob artifacts and memorabilia, we developed a narrative that places visitors in the shoes of a mobster.
The journey began at the Port of New York at Ellis Island, where visitors were assigned a gangster name. From there, they traveled through the rise of the Mob, the big city era, and the founding of Las Vegas. The Gangster Galleries featured displays focusing on gangsters like Bugsy Siegel, Meyer Lansky, and Sam Giancana, with artifacts donated by their families. The journey concluded with the downfall of the Mob, where visitors learned their fate based on the decisions they made throughout the experience.
Transformation
A Compelling, Educational Journey Through Mob History
The immersive attraction effectively transforms the visitor’s understanding of the Mob’s history. By combining real artifacts with advanced technology and a compelling narrative, the experience was educational and entertaining, making the historical journey personal and impactful. Our concept work alone enabled the client to secure an initial $25 million in funding for the attraction, demonstrating the project’s strong potential and appeal.