Immersive sleuthing adventure ‘Decoding DaVinci’ to premiere on UCSD campus – San Diego Union-Tribune

Immersive sleuthing adventure ‘Decoding DaVinci’ to premiere on UCSD campus – San Diego Union-Tribune

May 29, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom Business

ArtPower at UC San Diego is expanding its portfolio of immersive experiences with the launch of “Decoding DaVinci.” This new site-specific interactive show follows the success of last summer’s “Clue: A Walking Mystery” on the La Jolla college campus.

The production is a collaboration between ArtPower at UCSD and New York theatre producer Kevin J. Hammonds. While last year’s event was based on the board game “Clue,” this summer’s iteration draws inspiration from the Italian Renaissance artist and inventor Leonardo Da Vinci.

Strategic Use of Campus Architecture

The production blends elements of a scavenger hunt, immersive theatre, and an outdoor escape room. Participants are organized into groups of seven and tasked with uncovering the identity of the newest member of a secret society known as the 7 Pillars.

Strategic Use of Campus Architecture
San Diego Union Hammonds

Kevin J. Hammonds noted that the UC San Diego campus serves as a “universe unto itself,” with architecture and sculptures that provided the ideal foundation for puzzle design. He stated that the campus was the “perfect place to launch this new experience.”

Did You Know? The immersive experience requires participants to use an adventure kit to decipher cryptic codes and uncover hidden symbols while navigating alliances and outwitting operatives across the campus.

Activating Non-Traditional Venues

Colleen Kollar Smith, executive director of UCSD’s campus performances and events office, emphasized that the project aims to activate spaces outside of traditional venues. She noted that the event turns the campus into a “living world of mystery” for audiences to solve.

Beyond the theatrical value, the event is designed to encourage guests to discover new areas of the UC San Diego campus. Kollar Smith stated that it provides a way for players to explore parts of the campus they may not have previously had a reason to visit.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter suggests that by shifting from traditional stages to site-specific environments, institutions can create higher levels of audience engagement. This model transforms a physical asset—in this case, a sprawling campus—into a revenue-generating entertainment product.

Operational Logistics and Pricing

The event operates on a group-based ticketing model, with a maximum of seven people per sleuthing team. On performance days, which run Thursday through Sunday, up to 11 teams may explore the campus.

Decoding Davinci at UC San Diego 2026

Tickets are priced between $30 and $40. Previews run from Thursday through June 14, with the official opening on June 18 and the run concluding on July 19.

Tours begin at 2 p.m. On Thursdays and Fridays, and at 10 a.m. On Saturdays and Sundays. Interested participants can find more information at artpower.ucsd.edu/decoding-davinci/.

Future Outlook

Given the repeat collaboration between ArtPower and Kevin J. Hammonds, the university may continue to explore site-specific productions that leverage its unique landscape. The success of these events could lead to further investments in interactive storytelling that drives campus visitation.

Future Outlook
ArtPower UCSD campus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of tickets for “Decoding DaVinci”?
Tickets range from $30 to $40.

How many people can be on a single sleuthing team?
Tickets are sold in groups with a maximum of seven people per team.

What are the dates and times for the performances?
Previews run through June 14, and the show officially opens June 18, running through July 19. Tours occur Thursday through Sunday, starting at 2 p.m. On Thursdays and Fridays, and 10 a.m. On Saturdays and Sundays.

Would you prefer a traditional theatre seat or an interactive adventure that requires you to explore a city or campus?

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