We don’t get time to journal our running of our NYC escape room BrainXcape
But if we did, our journal entries would include…
Dear Diary
Neil Patrick Harris didn’t do one escape room with us…
‘Cos he did TWO!
Wait…THAT Neil Patrick Harris?
The very same!
- Teen prodigy Dr. Doogie Howser in Doogie Howser, MD, and hilariously talented ladies’ man Barney Stinson in How I Met Your Mother,
- Star of multiple Broadway hits including Proof, Rent, and Hedwig and the Angry Inch
- And the winner of numerous Emmy & Tony Awards.
He was here at BrainXcape.
So…Neil Patrick Harris is an escape room fan?
Yes, he is…
Not only of escape rooms but also board games and other kinds of immersive entertainment.
Did you know he’s designed the tabletop games Box One and Box Two?
AND he’s a regular speaker at RECON—the escape room industry convention.
Spilling the beans on NPH’s BrainXcape adventures
The first time was a few years back, when we were based in Chelsea.
He’d booked an 11 PM slot for one of our games.
It wrapped up around midnight…and he wanted to try another one!
He loved both.
And then…
NPH at our Manhattan escape room
He was here again!
This time with a few celebrity mates in tow, like Frankie Grande, Ariana Grande’s brother.
They tried out Rikers, 1932, and The Haunted Hotel. Once again, back-to-back!
At the time, we were still developing our single-room experience Elevator to Hell. Guess what?
He was back, AGAIN, for a third time, to check it out.
Along with standup comic Harrison Greenbaum, and others.
They beat the game in 35 minutes.
Talking about us on Hollywood Reporter
In an interview with Hollywood Reporter, he mentioned us (BrainXcape) as one of his favorite escape room adventures.
To quote, “The production quality was divine.”
You can read the full interview here.
Does that make us a celebrity/showbiz escape room? 😎
We’ll let you be the judge!
More on our escape games and themes
We’ve built 5 escape experiences inspired by iconic horror & mystery themes, and based on fan-favorite storylines.
Prepare for anything from an eerie prison breakout to a haunted circus, and even a pirate adventure.
Daring duos, shady trios, or full squads of up to 10 – we’ve designed our games to fit small groups and large teams.
Rikers, 1932
You and your crew are locked away in the depths of New York’s most infamous prison for a crime you didn’t commit.
Corrupt guards patrol the halls, the warden’s got it out for you, and your only chance at freedom is a risky, last-ditch escape.
And you’re running out of time…
⏳ 60 minutes, ⛓ 2-10 players.
History buffs and true crime enthusiasts should find our prison break adventure particularly fascinating.
The Haunted Hotel
The Grange Hotel has been abandoned for decades…or has it?
Strange figures lurk in the shadows, and the corridors echo with creepy murmurs.
Can you unravel its secrets, or will you end up as a permanent guest?
⏳ 60 minutes, 🛎️ 2-10 players.
Our ghost hotel experience should prove a particular hit with haunted house fans and supernatural aficionados.
The Bloody Circus
The circus is in town, and you’re invited!
As you enjoy the acts of magic and feats of strength, just remember…
Not all the acts may be to your liking!
⏳ 60 minutes, 🎪 2-10 players.
If you get a kick out of creepy clown lore, or horror movies with twisted carnivals (think IT or American Horror Story), our circus-themed horror game is your playing ground.
Elevator To Hell
You are dead.
Trapped in an otherworldly elevator, this is your final chance to set your fate.
⏳ 60 minutes, 🔽 2-5 players.
This haunted elevator adventure is ideal for psychological thriller and afterlife narrative fans. Its single-room design makes it perfect for smaller groups, especially 2-person teams.
The Pirate’s Heart
Your peaceful voyage takes a dark turn as a violent storm engulfs your ship.
The Four Legendary Pirates rise from the depths, demanding you face their trials.
Will you outsmart their traps and survive the storm… or end up part of their eternal crew?
⏳ 60 minutes, 🏴☠ 2-10 players.
Lovers of pirate lore and fantasy adventurers will be right at home in our supernatural pirate adventure.
Planning your NYC escape room night…NPH-style!
Call it what you will—the NYC Escape Room Crawl, or NYC Night Out ft. Escape Rooms…
Here’s how to make plans…
📍 Pick Your Route Wisely: Hitting multiple venues? Plan a route that minimizes travel time.
🎟️ Leave Room for Spontaneity: If the squad is buzzing after round one, grab another slot on the spot. Like NPH did with us at BrainXcape.
🕓 Timing: Account for post-game debriefs, snack breaks, and unexpected delays.
Plan at least 30 minutes between games so no one’s rushing or missing out on the fun.
🍕 Pit Stops: Find cool nearby spots for food and drinks. For example, there’s Eataly’s pizza, Nobu Downtown’s Japanese, and more near BrainXcape.
Bonus: Pick a place with a theme that matches your game for extra immersion.
🎥 Vlog It: Capture everything—teammates strategizing, pre-game nerves, victory dances. Carry an actual camera for epic shots.
🚁 Drone Shots for the Win: NYC at night? Iconic. A drone adds cinematic magic to your vlog, especially if you’re moving between multiple venues. Just be mindful of NYC’s drone regulations!
👕 Dress for Action: Some rooms require crawling, climbing, or quick movement. Comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes are a must.
💡 Prep for the Unexpected: Keep a flashlight handy for spooky themes (just in case) and a portable charger for your devices.
🏆 Score & Rank Your Night: Keep a scoreboard for each game played: fastest completion time, funniest fail, MVP of the night.
Feeling psyched for your night out? Here’s a great place to start planning!
