The Doctor Is In: Time Mission Delivers Time-Traveling Social Gaming to Rittenhouse

From ancient civilizations to distant futures, Time Mission offers an experience that is part escape room and part interactive theater.

At 1530 Chestnut Street, just above the JD Sports and taking the place of H&M’s 2nd floor, Time Mission has established itself as something genuinely different in the neighborhood’s entertainment landscape. This is interactive gaming that combines storytelling, immersive technology, and collaborative problem-solving in a way that feels fresh—think of it as the love child of an escape room and a choose-your-own-adventure book, with production value that would make the folks at Disney jealous.

*The actual entrance for Time Mission at 1530 Chestnut Street is on 16th Street.*

The concept: you and your team work together to complete missions across different time periods—from ancient Egypt to futuristic worlds—using cutting-edge technology that responds to your movements, decisions, and teamwork. It’s basically like stepping into a sci-fi movie where you’re the hero, except instead of Chris Pratt, it’s you and your friends trying to save humanity’s timeline.

Because nothing says “time travel experience” quite like a DeLorean parked on Chestnut Street during the grand opening

How It Actually Works

*A “The floor is lava” game to kick things off.*

Time Mission comes from the same company behind SandboxVR (just blocks away at 1601 Chestnut Street), but this experience ditches the virtual reality headsets in favor of collaborative storytelling. Players use motion sensors, voice commands, and problem-solving skills to navigate through challenges—it’s like if the Holodeck from Star Trek and an escape room had a baby.

*Store your belongings in futuristic lockers before embarking on your mission—because time travelers travel light*.

The Production Value Is Unhinged (In a Good Way)

The Rittenhouse Philly location features multiple themed rooms, each designed to transport you to different eras and worlds. We’re talking movie-level production design—detailed Egyptian chambers complete with Anubis murals and hieroglyphics, futuristic spaces that feel like you’ve stepped aboard the Millennium Falcon, the whole nine yards.

*Each mission room features its own distinctive iconography—this tribal mask signals one of the themed adventures waiting behind the door*.

*Ancient Egypt comes alive with intricate hieroglyphics and towering Anubis artwork—the attention to detail rivals what you’d find at a museum (if museums involved saving the timeline).*

The dystopian control room features weathered walls, surveillance screens, and a “Big Brother Is Watching You” poster—perfect for those who’ve always wanted to star in their own sci-fi thriller.

What makes the experience interesting is how it adapts to your team’s choices and actions. The storyline changes based on how you work together, meaning return visits offer different adventures. Groups of two to six players work through 60-minute missions that require communication, strategy, and a willingness to fully embrace the theatrical nature of it all—basically, you really need to commit to the bit.

*The geometric red room feels like stepping inside a kaleidoscope designed by a particularly intense sci-fi production designer—dramatic lighting included*.

*Navigate through laser grids like you’re in Ocean’s Eleven, except the fate of humanity hangs in the balance (no pressure).*

*Vibrant color-changing cubes create an immersive puzzle environment that’s equal parts mesmerizing and challenging*.

The Immersive Details

Every corner of Time Mission reinforces the narrative. From futuristic corridors bathed in blue light to utilitarian briefing areas, the space maintains its sci-fi aesthetic throughout.

*Atmospheric blue-lit corridors connect the different mission rooms—the kind of hallway that makes you feel like you’re aboard a spaceship*.

*Teams gather for their mission briefing on large screens—because every good time travel adventure starts with proper preparation*.

Rittenhouse’s Social Gaming Power-Up Continues

Time Mission fits seamlessly into what’s become our neighborhood’s social gaming district—joining Spin (ping pong), Five Iron Golf (golf simulators), Puttshack (high-tech mini golf), and Flight Club Darts. It’s like someone looked at the neighborhood and said, “What if we made it the adult equivalent of an arcade?” Each venue offers its own flavor of interactive entertainment, and Time Mission brings something different with its focus on collaborative storytelling and immersive environments.

*Even the smallest details contribute to the atmosphere—vintage-style propaganda posters add layers to the dystopian missions*.

What Makes It Work

The response has been solid with people sharing their adventures on social media and planning return visits to tackle different missions. It’s the kind of unique entertainment experience that fits Rittenhouse’s vibe—something you can’t easily find elsewhere in the city, but also something that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Plus, you get to literally save the future—which is more productive than doom-scrolling, at least.

The Practical Details

📍The Location: 1530 Chestnut Street

🗓️ Tickets & Reservations: Possible through their site here. Tickets range from approximately $40-50 per person, with pricing varying based on day of week and time slot. Weekend evenings tend to be more expensive than weekday afternoons. Group packages are available for parties of six or more—ideal for team-building events, birthday celebrations, or just gathering your most time-travel-enthusiastic friends.

Advanced booking is strongly recommended, especially for Friday and Saturday evenings when slots fill quickly. Walk-ins are accepted based on availability, but showing up without a reservation is basically the equivalent of time traveling without a plan—risky at best.

Mission Duration & Group Size:

Each mission experience lasts approximately 60 minutes, with groups ranging from two to six players. Larger parties may need to split into multiple groups, though you’ll be able to compare notes afterward about which team saved humanity more efficiently (competitive spirit encouraged).

Age Requirements
Ages 13 and up. The scenarios involve problem-solving, physical activity, and themes that work best for teens and adults. This makes it perfect for date nights, friend outings, corporate team-building, or family adventures with older kids.

What to Know Before You Go

Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled time for check-in and orientation!
Comfortable clothing recommended—you’ll be moving around
Secure lockers provided for personal belongings
No prior experience with escape rooms or immersive gaming required
Photography inside mission rooms isn’t permitted (to preserve the surprises for future players, sorry)