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You don’t need a time machine or a transatlantic flight to step inside ancient Rome’s most infamous arena. Starting on February 3, a new immersive virtual reality experience at Eclipso NYC promises to drop visitors right into the heart of the Roman Empire: the Colosseum, circa 2,000 years ago.
Called “Colosseum: The Legendary Arena,” the experience is a free-roaming VR production that lets guests walk through the arena rather than passively watch it. After a short onboarding, you’ll put on a headset and physically move through a meticulously recreated version of ancient Rome—including markets, city streets and, finally, the Colosseum itself.
Developed in collaboration with the Paris-based immersive studio Small Creative, the experience was created under the guidance of a scientific advisory committee led by the French School of Rome, so, while the whole ordeal may feel cinematic, it is actually rooted in history rather than fantasy. Archaeologists and historians were involved from the earliest stages, reviewing scripts and narrative details to ensure the setting felt accurate. The result feels like a walk through living history rather than a gladiator video game.
“This experience isn’t just a look back at ancient Rome—it’s a chance to step inside its beating heart,” said Antoine Lieutaud, founder and CEO of Eclipso Entertainment, in an official statement. “'Colosseum: The Legendary Arena' places visitors on a stage where power, ambition and sacrifice unfolded before an empire, allowing audiences to feel the energy of the crowd, the weight of a gladiator’s choices and the grandeur of Rome itself—making history feel alive, emotional and unforgettable.”
Over roughly 30 minutes in VR (plus about 15 minutes of prep), visitors will encounter daily life in ancient Rome and the spectacle of the arena, including appearances by historical figures like famous gladiator Flamma. You’ll hear the crowd and move through hidden corridors beneath the stands.
Eclipso previously made waves with “Titanic: Echoes from the Past,” and Colosseum follows the same model; it’s culturally focused and visually ambitious, appealing to both families and adults. The experience is recommended for ages 8 and up, making it surprisingly school-trip-friendly for something that involves gladiators.
“Colosseum: The Legendary Arena” opens February 3 at Eclipso NYC, located at 555 West 57th Street. Tickets start at $31. If you’ve ever wanted to stand in the Colosseum at its peak (without the crowds, heat and moral complexity of ancient combat), this might be the closest you’ll get.