The One Where Kev and I Went Downtown… to see FRIENDS the Experience in Chicago. (I had to). We were invited to the Media Preview of FRIENDS the Experience during their Chicago tour and it was awesome! Kev isn’t even as big of a fan as me and he still thought it was one of the coolest things he’s done.
We had a private tour with one of their associates, Krystal. She knew everything there was to know about the sets and was an excellent host! (don’t tell Monica I said that). In case you don’t live close or can’t make it in-person, I’m sharing the best of the experience for you!
FRIENDS the Experience Sanitary Precautions
You can’t operate without precautions in place to account for the current state of the world, and FRIENDS the Experience respects that.
Masks are required throughout the event and the staff has social distance floor markers to keep foot traffic safely spaced. Note: there are some photos where we don’t have masks on. We were part of a reservation only media preview and were the only two non-staffers on premises during our visit. Please adhere to the precautions they have in place when you visit!
In addition to social distancing, everything is “Monica Clean!” with touchless hand sanitizer and wipes at every station.
“PIVOT!” at FRIENDS the Experience
This was one of the first exhibits, and a total classic! Kev and I for sure had to try and move the couch ourselves. Spoiler alert: it didn’t budge.
After “Pivot!”-ing you walk through a few museum type exhibits. Thi one had manuscripts from “The One Hundredth” episode (far right) which I never knew 1) was the name of the 100th episode, or 2) it’s the one where Phoebe has the babies!
The far left manuscript is “The One Where Ross and Rachel Take a Break”, another absolute classic!
They also had a blueprint layout of the Warner Bros. studio, which was really cool. As a total map/blueprint/schematics nerd I was in heaven!
The Guys’ Apartment
Two big focal points are the guys’ and girls’ apartments. There was the infamous magnadoodle on the guys’ door and they even had a wall of notorious magnadoodle messages at the exhibit.
While in the neighborhood, we decided to take a quick break and kick back in the barcaloungers. Featuring Hugsy!
I never knew this statue’s name, did you? Had to snap a pic and ask you guys because I feel like this wasn’t very obvious?? Let me know your thoughts on this in the comments!
Then of course, to get to the girl’s apartment you have to head through the hallway…
If anyone is as detail-oriented as me, you probably noticed there’s a stair in the hallway on the real set. Little super fan knowledge for you there.
The Girl’s Apartment
I was in absolute heaven y’all! Took SO many photos but edited it down to the best for sharing.
It was so spot on, from the curtains to underneath the sink to all the trinkets on the counter.
Not positive if you’re supposed to move the props, but Kev and I made ourselves right at home at Monica’s with a fresh cup of coffee. She’s ALWAYS the hostess! Thanks, Mon!
FRIENDS the Experience Trivia
This was a cool surprise when we came across it at the exhibit. There’s a foot powered trivia game to play in Monica’s apartment!
I could’ve played this all day to be honest, but didn’t want to hold us up. Definitely check it out when you go!
The Central Perk Exhibit
This one BLEW. MY. MIND.
First of all, look at this picture of me on the couch in front of the window. Doesn’t it look like a REAL window? Sure, the coffee shop wasn’t this close to a walkup on the show but if you didn’t know that, looking through the window in person it’s really real. The designers did an AMAZING job!
The rest of the space was also spot on. And the coolest part of all of course was that this is THEE orange couch from the set!
They have it on display in Burbank, CA, where Friends was filmed, when it’s one of the active set exhibits, but who knows when I’d make it out there nonetheless for a set tour. This was AWESOME to see!
You can also go behind the counter, so naturally we both did.
We call these the [much more handsome] Gunther and Rachel.
They even have this cafe table off to the side set up where Joey was commonly found eating his sandwiches!
The Central Perk Art Exhibition
This was a huge bonus. Had no idea this was on site, but it’s right past the check in counter. It’s a building block replica of the Central Perk!
How cool is this?! If you follow me on Instagram you probably saw this post where I’m wearing my homemade Friends mask on this version of the Central Perk couch.
I mean, how long do you think it took to make all these couches and chairs alone? Someone with a lot of talent was on it, though.
And of course, one last recreation of the ‘Rachel’ photo at the art exhibition counter. Peep the detail on that coffee machine!
Buy Tickets to FRIENDS the Experience Chicago
Get your tickets to this awesome pop up while you can! They’ll be in Chicago from October 1 – January 3 at 540 N Michigan Ave. right on the Magnificent Mile. Out of towner? Visit the FRIENDS the Experience store here for t-shirts, accessories and even your very own Hugsy!
Share your favorite set, exhibit, character or feature with me below. I’m a TOTAL Monica!
Have another experience you think we should share? Please let me know, too. We love doing new things and it’s even more fun to share when I know it’s reader-requested!
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