Photo by Ethan Holesha
The Office Experience allows visitors to pose behind the desk of Michael Scott and pose with his famous mug.
You arrive in Scranton, Pennsylvania. In the Dunder Mifflin Paper Company parking lot, you see Dwight’s 1987 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am. As you enter the building, you greet Pam at her reception desk, you watch Jim and Dwight as they trade banter back and forth at their desks, and out of the corner of your eye, you see Michael practicing his impressions while holding his “World’s Best Boss” mug.
This is The Office Experience.
Ethan Holesha
Managing Editor
“The Office” can best be described as a mockumentary on a group of typical office workers, where the workday consists of ego clashes, inappropriate behavior, and tedium. Between the love stories, possible downsizing, and the countless ridiculous events, you never know where this storyline is going next. At Dunder Mifflin, you see everything you could possibly imagine at the office–besides actual work getting done.
The Office Experience, which debuted in Chicago Oct. 15, is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to take a deep dive into this legendary sitcom. Fans are invited to celebrate their favorite moments and characters in the largest official interactive fan experience based on “The Office” to date. The exhibit was created by Superfly X and Universal Live Entertainment in consultation with the show’s U.S. creator, Greg Daniels. It will remain in Chicago until Jan. 17.
“It’s been really busy,” says Jamaal Orr, vice president of marketing at SuperFly X. “We’ve been getting a lot of really good press.”
Photos by Ethan Holesha
Fans check out the most famous place on the entire show, the actual office itself (left). Josh Fernandez, a Moraine Valley freshman business major, and I get up close to Dwight Schrute’s 1987 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am (right).
“The Office” is my favorite show ever, so even if The Office Experience hadn’t reached out to The Glacier about a college press night, I still would have attended eventually. But this opportunity was way too good to pass up.
The experience begins with a “Scranton Welcomes You” sign. You are then placed into small groups where you watch a short introduction video to the experience, voiced by none other than Rainn Wilson, the actor who plays Dwight Schrute.
You walk out of the room and the first thing you see is Dwight’s famous red Firebird. The next room includes information about each character, along with outfits worn by the four main characters. This room also has real props used on the show, such as Prison Mike’s bandana, the Sabre Pyramid, and, from my favorite episode of the entire series, the Dundie awards.
The next part of the tour is my favorite part, the office. It’s an exact replica of the office on the show, with Michael’s office, the conference room, and even the kitchen in the correct spots. Some of the workers’ desks had surprises in the drawers and voicemails left on their telephones. It felt surreal being in the actual setting of the show that I’ve seen countless times.
Here I hold up the pot from Kevin’s Chili Spill, one of the many iconic scenes from the series.
Guests are able to take pictures throughout the Dunder Mifflin office including at Pam’s desk, Michael’s office, Ryan’s closet, and Schrute Farms. You can relive iconic episodes and memorable moments such as a few of my personal favorites: Kevin’s Chili Spill and Beach Day.
Some of the interactive experiences include playing Dunderball in the office, trying to figure out trivia based crossword puzzles, and pulling up beets at Schrute Farms to hear famous beet related quotes from the show. Unfortunately, I lost in Dunderball to my friend Josh Fernandez, a Moraine Valley business major, so I was only awarded the silver yogurt foil medal. As for the crossword puzzles, they were much harder than one might imagine.
An on-site themed retail store modeled after the Warehouse, featured exclusive products never before offered for sale.
“I like the gift shop because I like how mundane it is,” said Orr. “They’re going to refresh the shop. They’ve been adding new products occasionally.”
Alex Jakubiak, vice president at public relations agency Carol Fox and Associates and also my personal tour guide, added on saying, “Since Jamal was last in town for the opening, I just came here again and there’s been new stuff (in the shop) since Oct. 15.”
One of the items available for $15 is an Office Experience lanyard with your picture and name on the ID as an honorary member of Dunder Mifflin. The title you are given on the ID is “ASST to the REGIONAL MANAGER” and you are listed as a “security threat.” True fans of the show will appreciate this ID and its references.
The Office Experience is located at The Shops at North Bridge on the Magnificent Mile at 540 N. Michigan Ave. (corner of N. Michigan Ave. and E. Ohio St.). The interactive two-story experience features 17 rooms filled with original props and costumes used on the show, set recreations, and even more as fans visit Scranton Business Park and other sites associated with the beloved series.
Guests can reserve timed entry tickets starting at $37.50 plus taxes and fees. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.theofficeexperience.com. Private access tickets, as well as corporate and private rentals, are also available. For more information on space rentals, email privateevents@theofficeexperience.com.
Josh and I next to the Dunder Mifflin sign right before you walk into the replica office. 
An exact replica of the famous conference room. 
Josh and I pose next to the “Scranton Welcomes You” sign, which is the first thing you see in the experience. 
Josh and I race at one of the “Office Olympics” games, you are also able to play “Dunderball.” The first player to three points wins! 
Josh and I at the medal ceremony after the “Office Olympics,” where yogurt foil covers were used as medals. 
Josh and I were able to pose behind the sumo outfits from the Beach Games episode. 
I was able to walk on the coals like Pam Beasley did during the Beach Games episode. 
Josh and I stand on a functioning scale like the characters of “The Office” did during their weight loss competition. 
Josh and I sit at the front of “Schrute Farms,” home to Dwight Schrute. 
Josh and I stand at the edge of Niagra Falls, where Pam and Jim officially got married on the show.
