The Rivoli Arts District (RAD) in downtown La Crosse is hosting an immersive Halloween-themed art experience called "The Uncanny Exhibit" from October 16 through November 1. The exhibit features 13 rooms, each designed by a different local artist, with interactive installations that combine visual, auditory, and tactile elements to create a multisensory, unsettling atmosphere. Marketing specialist Aidan Schmidtknecht describes it as more artsy and immersive than a traditional haunted house, focusing on atmosphere and weirdness rather than jump scares.
This event matters because it highlights how local arts districts can engage the community through seasonal, participatory programming that supports working artists and makes contemporary art accessible. By transforming a commercial space into a collaborative exhibition, the Rivoli Arts District demonstrates a model for fostering creative connections and removing barriers to art appreciation, particularly for college students and residents seeking unique cultural experiences in the region.