Thrill Seekers Challenged To Escape From The Vault Of Souls At Historic Tampa Bank

TAMPA, FL — After a two-year break, Tampa's Vault of Souls haunted escape room returns to the historic 92-year-old Exchange National Bank at 611 N. Franklin St.

Enter the opulent marble lobby that reveals a richly appointed cocktail bar, dancers, magicians and tarot readers. Then descend into the underground labyrinth and face challenges guided by the tarot cards.

The reservation-only event will take place from 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Oct. 22-23 and Oct. 29-30 and from 6:30 to midnight Oct. 31.

The theatrical haunted venue comes from the imagination of creative director Scott Swenson, who helped launch Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens 15 years ago.

As a follow-up, Swenson founded The Vault of Souls in 2015 with a Roaring '20s theme.

“We’re back, both above ground and below, in the worlds of the living and the dead, experiencing both the darkness and the light,” Swenson said.

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For 2021, Swenson has devised an all-new storyline for the escape room in which attendees will have to make their way past trapped spirits with the help of tarot card clues before reaching the open-air garden for drinks and entertainment.

“This year is a study in contrasts, from the elegant arrival to the darkly interactive realm below to the airy outdoor courtyard. Wickedly entertaining elements can be discovered around every corner," Swenson said.

“I’m thrilled to open the doors of The Vault to guests once again. I have a special place in my heart for art, history and Halloween, and this hauntingly beautiful event gives us the chance to infuse art and performance in this grand, eclectic and historic setting,” said Carolyn Wilson, owner of The Vault and The Wilson Company, which owns and manages the Exchange National Bank.

Guests must be 18 or older and reservations are required. Tickets start at $100 per person. Click here.

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