June 4 – July 12, 2026
UC San Diego
Decoding DaVinci is an immersive theatrical adventure loosely inspired by Leonardo DaVinci and the historical thrillers published thereafter—a thrilling race against time where the audience becomes part of the story.
Participants are plunged into a real-life conspiracy, tasked with infiltrating a powerful secret society before ruthless enemies destroy it forever. But this isn’t a traditional escape room confined by four walls. The UC San Diego campus becomes the game board. Hidden clues lie buried in plain sight within landmarks you pass every day—statues, fountains, monuments, park benches, alleyways—all transformed into pieces of an intricate living puzzle.
Part scavenger hunt, part immersive theater, part outdoor escape room, Decoding DaVinci turns the UC San Diego campus into a cinematic adventure where every corner could hold the next revelation…or the next betrayal.
At the center of the mystery lies The 7 Pillars—a covert organization founded centuries ago by Leonardo Da Vinci himself. Believing humanity could only thrive through balance, Da Vinci envisioned a perfect society built upon seven sacred tenets: Finance, Culture, Science, Spirituality, Architecture, History, and Technology. From the shadows, The 7 Pillars quietly shaped the rise of civilization, influencing governments, economies, and the very design of the world’s greatest cities.
But now, the order is under attack.
A ruthless underground faction known only as The Claw has begun dismantling The 7 Pillars from within. One of its most revered leaders has been assassinated, leaving behind a vacant seat on the powerful council — and igniting a desperate race to determine who is worthy enough to replace them.
Teams are summoned to a secret location and thrust into a dangerous initiation unlike anything they’ve ever experienced. To survive, players must decipher cryptic codes, uncover hidden symbols, navigate shifting alliances, and outwit enemies lurking in plain sight. Along the journey, they’ll encounter mysterious characters, secret missions, and shocking revelations that blur the line between audience and protagonist.
Every decision matters. Every clue changes the game. And every player becomes the hero of their own high-stakes thriller.
As the campus transforms into a labyrinth of secrets, one question remains:
Will you earn your place among The 7 Pillars… or will The Claw burn everything to the ground first?
Have a large group?
The chamber accepts fifty initiates per session — never more. Each will be sorted into cells of six to eight. Larger parties would be fractured into rival factions, the mystery becoming a competition. Smaller groups would be quietly absorbed into others, their identities dissolved into a larger whole.
If you need special accommodations, please email artpower@ucsd.edu.
Schedule
Rates
- General Admission: $40/person
- Groups (min. 6): $30/person
- UCSD Students, ID Required: $25/person
- UCSD Faculty/Staff, via SSO: $30/person
- UCSD Faculty/Staff Departmental Group Rate: $20/person—please email artpower@ucsd.edu to arrange.
For the most up-to-date availability and details, please click on the time slot button.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Saturday, June 20, 2026
Sunday, June 21, 2026
Thursday, June 25, 2026
Friday, June 26, 2026
Saturday, June 27, 2026
Sunday, June 28, 2026
Thursday, July 2, 2026
Friday, July 3, 2026
Sunday, July 5, 2026
Thursday, July 9, 2026
Friday, July 10, 2026
Saturday, July 11, 2026
Sunday, July 12, 2026
Perfect for Team Building!
Decoding DaVinci is the ultimate group outing—ideal for friends, families, co-workers, and campus teams. It’s a fun, interactive team-building experience where your group works together to unravel hidden codes and secret symbols while exploring UC San Diego’s beautiful campus.
Each time slot welcomes up to 50 detectives. To heighten the intrigue, the Curator will divide players into investigation teams of 6–8. If your group would like to stay together, you can let your Curator know your preferences. Larger parties will be split into rival groups, turning the mystery into a friendly competition. Should you require special accommodations—or have questions before embarking on your mission—please contact artpower@ucsd.edu.
Contact us today to discuss how we can make Decoding DaVinci work for you!
(COA payment option accepted)
Groups (min. 6): $25/person (June 4–14); $30/person (June 18 – July 12)
UCSD Faculty/Staff Departmental Group Rate: $20/person—please email artpower@ucsd.edu to arrange.
Location
Your quest for the truth begins at the Triton Fountain (3151 Matthews Lane, La Jolla, 92093) , located outside of Price Center, where you’ll be greeted by a fascinating character.
Trolley
Take the Trolley: Triton Fountain is a short 6-minute walk from the Blue Line Trolley’s UCSD Central Campus Station, visit the MTS website >
Parking
The closest parking structure is Gilman Parking Structure. UC San Diego requires parking permits 7 days a week. Permits can be purchased at permit machines or through the Parkmobile App. Visit UC San Diego Transportation for information on where to buy your permit, and costs.
Know Before You Go
Location
Your quest for the truth begins at the Triton Fountain (3151 Matthews Lane, La Jolla, 92093) , located outside of Price Center, where you’ll be greeted by a fascinating character.
Trolley
Take the Trolley: Triton Fountain is a short 6-minute walk from the Blue Line Trolley’s UCSD Central Campus Station, visit the MTS website >
Parking
The closest parking structure is Gilman Parking Structure. UC San Diego requires parking permits 7 days a week. Permits can be purchased at permit machines or through the Parkmobile App. Visit UC San Diego Transportation for information on where to buy your permit, and costs.
Suggested arrival time
Please plan to arrive no later than 15 minutes before your reservation time at the Triton Fountain to ensure smooth check-in.
What to bring
Arrive prepared: comfortable walking shoes for treading ancient paths, sunscreen, and a water bottle to sustain you on your quest (refill stations are hidden in plain sight along the route). A disguise—sunglasses, a hat—is strongly advised. In this game, the ability to observe without being observed is your greatest weapon.
Distance and time
There will be seven locations to visit, but the entire experience happens within a 1.5 mile radius. The game is played at your own pace, so it can take as long as you’d like, but the experience played at a normal pace should take 90 minutes to two hours.
Restroom/Rest Stops/Food & Drink
Along your investigation route, you will encounter ample restrooms, convenient spots to pause and regroup, and establishments where one may purchase food and drink before pressing on with the case.
Contact
For questions, please contact: artpower@ucsd.edu.
Accessibility
Decoding DaVinci is fully accessible. While gameplay may take a bit longer, an accessible map is available to support your experience.
FAQ
What is "Decoding DaVinci"?
Part scavenger hunt, part immersive theater, part outdoor escape room, “Decoding DaVinci” turns the world around you into a cinematic adventure where every corner could hold the next revelation or the next betrayal. A member of a clandestine secret society, The 7 Pillars has been murdered, and they seek a replacement. That lucky individual might be closer than you think…it might even be you. In order to gain entry into the coveted counsel, players must venture across UC San Diego’s campus in La Jolla, encountering clandestine operatives along the way, to uncover the mystery of The 7 Pillars in order to complete the quest and become their newest member. Armed with an adventure kit, participants are summoned to a secret campus location and thrust into a cloak-and-dagger initiation unlike anything they’ve ever experienced. To survive, players must decipher cryptic codes, uncover hidden symbols, navigate shifting alliances, and outwit enemies lurking in plain sight.
How many people can play at the same time?
The chamber accepts fifty initiates per session — never more. Each will be sorted into cells of six to eight. Langdon noted the implications immediately: larger parties would be fractured into rival factions, the mystery becoming a competition. Smaller groups would be quietly absorbed into others, their identities dissolved into a larger whole.
If you need special accommodations or have questions, please email artpower@ucsd.edu.
Does everyone have to have a ticket? Do children need a ticket?
Yes, as this is a participatory experience, all present must have a ticket. Children 5 and under are free with admission, however, adults accompanying young recruits MUST PAY ADMISSION. We recommend this experience for players over ages 8 and over. Paying adults are to accompany anyone under age 16.
Is Decoding DaVinci based on the novel The DaVinci Code?
No, it is not! It is inspired by the clandestine, secret society, puzzle mystique that surrounds the popular novels. But Decoding DaVinci is not at all based on them, doesn’t contain those characters and has nothing to do with the plot. But if you like the books, you’ll love Decoding DaVinci.
Do I have to participate? Or can I just watch? What if I'm an introvert?
Introverts welcome! You’ll be playing with your own team at your own speed, so you never have to interact with other teams if you don’t want to. You will encounter some mysterious characters along the way, but they will only interact with those who choose to interact with them.
How much walking is involved and how long does the experience take?
There will be seven locations to visit, but the entire experience happens within a 1.5 mile radius. The game is played at your own pace, so it can take as long as you’d like, but the experience played at a normal pace should take 90 minutes to two hours.
Do we get a prize for finishing the game?
You get the satisfaction of a job well done, and perhaps a seat at the coveted table of The 7 Pillars. Perhaps!
Are there age restrictions for the experience?
Decoding DaVinci is a family friendly event and is recommended for ages 8 and over with adults accompanying minors. Children 5 and younger may attend free of charge with a paying adult or guardian.
What if I arrive late?
Please check in as usual and you will be added to the next adventure with availability.
I purchased tickets for the wrong time. Can I exchange?
We understand even the best adventurer can make a mistake! Please reach out to the organizer via your ticketing platform to make the necessary changes.
Can I get a refund?
Unfortunately, all sales are final. Please contact artpower@ucsd.edu for any questions.
What if it rains?
Adventure waits for no man. And no rain! We search for adventure through rain, sleet, or snow. However, if weather conditions are substantial we are happy to exchange your ticket for another time.