First off, this is not sponsored by Urban Capers in any way, shape, or form – I recently participated in their scavenger hunt at the ROM, and it was incredibly fun. I’m proud to tell you all that my team (but mostly me – I maintain) came in second place!
This is basically me – but with “We Are the Champions” playing
Urban Capers is a group that specializes in exploring Toronto through scavenger hunts and activities, but what really drew my attention was the “Murder at the ROM” mystery party. It’s a mystery game involving, no surprise, a murder at the ROM which you must deduce the killer, the motive, and the weapon – sort of like real-life Clue. Actually, exactly like that. Points are given on the basis of deducing each of these, solving the individual clues which involve various exhibits around the ROM, and of course the most creative team name (Team ROMicide for life). The prize is free admission for the winning team to another Urban Capers event!
Unfortunately the tickets aren’t cheap – $42 (after tax) each will set a student back a long way, but the cost does cover full admission to the ROM for the day. You can participate in this event, and then explore the rest of the ROM yourself. What I really loved about this was that it took me away from my comfort zones in the ROM (natural history, biology, Europe) and forced me to explore the sadly lesser-known parts of the history of the world. Without giving too much away, the scavenger hunt/mystery really takes place in Canadian history, African culture, and the Asian-Pacific regions. I hope that’s broad enough not to give away any clues!
This could be you!
Every moment was exciting – I was always on my toes, learning more about each of these different characters and their motives, trying to deduce what the larger picture was. All in all, I very much enjoyed the event – I just wish it cost a little less. However, I do warn you – it is VERY difficult to acquire tickets. According to their site, Murder at the ROM is booked into March! They recently released a SECOND Caper at the ROM – “The Mummy’s Curse”, which I hope to have a chance to go to – ticket sales start in February.
This is all I know about it for now
Overall Score: 9/10 – I very much encourage you to try it out for yourself!
- Points For: Creativity, detailed and immersive plot, integration of exhibits with clues provides a fun time running around the museum like maniacs
- Points Against: (In my opinion) high cost, and difficulty of acquiring tickets (though that’s really a reflection on their popularity)
Image Sources:
http://www.urbancapers.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/urban-capers_v2-30…
http://danceswithfat.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/victory.jpg
http://www.automopedia.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/mystery-machine3.jpg
https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSvAC1ZUSiN6FMHYId-…