If you're looking for a Halloween experience unlike any other, head to The Exchange National Bank in Downtown Tampa for the Vault of Souls. The brainchild of Creative Director Scott Swanson, the Vault of Souls isn't about blood, guts and gore. Instead, it's a sophisticated, interactive, paranormal experience divided into four acts with a cast 37 "spirits" to guide you through the four separate spaces in the beautifully renovated and restored Exchange National Bank building, now known as The Vault.
Built in 1923, the bank catered to Tampa's elite, holding their worldly possessions and, according to The Vault of Souls mythology, "their non-wordly possessions as well, especially if their lives weren't the most morally reprehensible" shared Swanson. Tampa history is interwoven with mythology to create the four distinctive acts and transform the 12,000 square foot basement space into a paranormal purgatory, a safe haven of sorts for carefully-selected souls.
The experience begins with Act 1: The Arrival, where we were greeted outside by this Herman Munsterish looking "gentleman" with a welcome letter from Mr. James Arthur Griffin, President of the Exchange National Bank, dated October 2, 1923.
After check in, it was time to have our auras cleansed as the spirits inside don't like unclean auras:
Once we were cleansed, we stepped into the breathtakingly elegant, blue backlit three-story tall lounge and enjoyed cocktails, appetizers, roving entertainment and live music. We couldn't resist the Vault Ventilator specialty cocktail, made with your choice of spirit (the kind that goes into your cup), cucumber, lime, mint and a little Halloween smoking magic:
Here's a sneak peak of the entertainment:
At this point, we had no idea what to expect and needed a few Vault Ventilators to calm our nerves. Scott Swanson assured us we had nothing to fear. "There are no chainsaws that will chase you around. It's more psychological and paranormal rather than traditional Halloween horror" said Swanson. He also told us there isn't anything else out there that compares to The Vault of Souls and people are coming from all over the world to see it. On the night we were there a gentleman from the UK traveled to Tampa specifically for The Vault of Souls and other guests have traveled from France, New York City, New Orleans and Atlanta.
Ready or not, our name was called and it was time for us to travel to Act 2: The Ritual.
Things turned serious real quick. There were four rules: (1) You must wear a white face mask at all times so the spirits don't recognize you, if they do, they just may follow you home; (2) No speaking or whispering is allowed; (3) No phones or cameras and finally; (4) Don't touch the spirits.
These rules (except for #3) don't seem too tough until you're plunged into an eerily lit world, filled with spirits, where no set path exists. You are free to wander for as long as you like and nothing is off limits. You're encouraged to interact with the spirits, open drawers, sit down, touch things, write, type, and take your time uncovering the story of Lucy.
Guests spend anywhere from 20 minutes to 3 hours and 20 minutes in The Ritual. We spent about an hour and it was all very well done. Think of this more as a theatrical production rather than a run of the mill Halloween haunted house.
Our inner spirits were channeling cocktails so we headed to Act 3: The Gin Joint, a 1920's style speakeasy. We enjoyed the authentic roaring 20's atmosphere which included plenty of libations, appetizers, live jazz music and dancers in another gorgeous space.
Once our inner spirits were satisfied, we headed to Act 4: The Epilogue for coffee, dessert and a Tarot card reading! There were plenty of place to relax and just chill on comfy couches in the dimly lit room. We enjoyed an espresso and some dessert while waiting to get our cards read.
On the way out, we were given an autographed copy of Scott Swenson's book of poetry Souls, inspired by the characters in The Vault of Souls and a beautiful white rose. Kudos to Scott for creating such a unique, world-class event!
Is this our Uber driver waiting for us?
The Vault of Souls is a one-of-a-kind, not to be missed Halloween experience. Ticket prices start at $100 which may sound expensive but when you consider the entire experience and everything it comes with, it's actually quite reasonable. It's most easily compared with a night out at the theater, except you're allowed to stay as long as you like and you're not stuck sitting in a cramped chair.
Also consider, the ticket price includes valet parking, appetizers in Act 1 and Act 3, dessert and espresso in Act 4, tarot card readings, a white face mask and a copy of the book Souls. Higher priced tickets include extra goodies like unlimited cocktails, private rooms and tours.
Get your tickets now and experience The Vault of Souls while you can this Friday and Saturday night. This is one event you do not want to miss! For more details and to purchase tickets, click here.
Many thanks to The Vault of Souls for an incredible evening! See you souls next year.
