On certain days, it’s necessary to relive your childhood. That’s exactly what happened when I stepped into the Museum of Ice Cream—a dreamy, pastel-coated wonderland where adulting takes a backseat and sprinkles steal the spotlight. Whether you’re nine or ninety, this place isn’t just about ice cream—it’s about experiencing a sense of life. Indeed, a pool of sprinkles will beckon you.
If you’re planning a trip to NYC, Austin, Chicago or Singapore—or you just want a sweet escape that is as Instagrammable as it is nostalgic—the Museum of Ice Cream is calling your name.
1. More than a museum—it’s a vibe
Let’s be clear: this is not your typical museum. There are no hushed halls or stuffy plaques. Consider the Museum of Ice Cream as a vibrant carnival of sensory delight. Every room is interactive, from banana swings to a giant melting popsicle jungle. The design caters to mature individuals who secretly yearn for a bathtub filled with jellybeans.
Fun fact: It started as a pop-up in New York City in 2016—and now it’s a worldwide phenomenon with sold-out sessions and celeb fans like Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian, and David Beckham.
2. Sprinkles, slides, and secret scoops
I knew I was in for a treat the moment I was greeted with a scoop of cookie dough-flavoured ice cream upon entry (yes, free ice cream included). From there, a whirlwind of sugary bliss unfolded before me:
- A swimmable sprinkle pool (don’t eat them!)
- A pink subway train with confetti explosions
- A mini jungle with banana-scented vines
- Ice cream-themed trivia games, tongue twisters, and challenges
And did I mention the slides? Ice cream-themed trivia games, tongue twisters, and challenges And may I add, there is indeed a giant slide that provides the sensation of descending into another dimension, one where the air is infused with the scent of cotton candy.
Pro tip: Come with your phone fully charged—every room is designed with photo ops in mind. Filters who?
3. For your inner child—and your outer fashionista
I arrived dressed entirely in pastel pink. Why? If you’re looking to embrace your inner Barbiecore or channel your inner Lisa Frank, this place is the perfect choice. is the perfect choice. People dressed as cupcakes, unicorns, or straight out of a 2005 MySpace photoshoot can be seen, and no one seems to mind.
Playfulness and silliness are mandatory in this place. Illness is mandatory.
4. It’s a treat for your taste buds, too
It’s not just sugar—you eat your way through the museum! At almost every checkpoint, there’s another frozen treat: boozy soft serves, mochi, popsicles, candy floss, or mystery flavours.
Dietary needs? They’ve got vegan and dairy-free options too. Just let the pink-jumpsuit-wearing guides know (they’re basically joy fairies).
5. Why it’s more than just a photo-op
Indeed, the Museum of Ice Cream offers more than just a picturesque photo opportunity. It taps into nostalgia and reminds us how to have fun without overthinking it. It’s about wonder, play, and letting go of perfection.
I saw families reconnecting, friends doubled over in laughter, and couples dancing under neon lights. There’s something really beautiful about watching people just be happy.
6. Worth the hype? 100% yes.
Here’s the thing: if you expect a historical museum featuring exhibits on dairy production, then this is not the place for you. But if you want an explosion of colour, sweetness, and delight that melts away stress like a cone in July, then this is your place.
Tickets range from $30 to $45 depending on location and time slot. Booking ahead is a must—slots sell out quickly, especially on weekends and holidays.
Final thoughts: life’s too short not to play with your dessert
My visit to the Museum of Ice Cream reminded me of the joy of letting go. It reminded me of the joy of embracing messiness. I relished the opportunity to indulge in whipped cream and rainbow sprinkles. So if you’ve been feeling stressed, stuck, or simply in need of a mental sugar rush—go. Dance in a room full of glowing gummy bears. Lick a unicorn wall. Order that second scoop.
Sometimes, immersing yourself in a sprinkle pool with a strawberry cone in each hand provides the ultimate form of therapy.
