Minnetonka Community Education

Immerse yourself in complete silence and darkness for one hour during a session of Group Perceptual Silence. Each enrollment entitles a visitor to 1 of 5 seats in the 12x10 suspended chamber, which is globally recognized as the quietest room in the world. "The Quietest Place on Earth" (Guinness 2005, 2012, 2021) is the Orfield Anechoic Chamber, located in Orfield Laboratories, Inc. in Minneapolis. Situated in the center of the multi-sensory design research and consulting lab, an anechoic chamber is technically defined as a room with absolute sound absorption. Measured at at an average of -13 dBA, Orfield's chamber is one thirtieth as loud as most others, which have an average measurement of 30 dBA. Metaphorically, the anechoic chamber represents a small, quiet chapel, that has become a place of silence and meditation for people from all over the world. As the most famous part of the lab, the chamber has been featured on news platforms such as NBC Today, CBS Morning, WCCO, CBC, BBC, and in feature films around the world. Important Information: In order to respect all individuals experiences, each participant is expected to remain as silent as possible for the duration of the hour. The anechoic chamber is a dark, relatively small space. While participants will be instructed on how to leave the chamber in case of an Emergency, participants are encouraged to consider if the space is suitable for their comfort level. Following registration, participants will receive an email from Orfield Labs including a form that is required for each visitor.

Experience an ancient wellness practice being rediscovered anew in the 21st century. Join us on a two-hour immersive, meditative and awe-inspiring Japanese forest bathing experience - Shinrin Yoku. See first-hand how nature’s fractals, sounds, and sensations reduce your stress and anxiety, and boost your mood. Give yourself permission to disconnect, slow down, and intentionally connect your senses to the healing beauty of nature. Benefits include: mood and immune system boost, stress relief, better focus, improved blood pressure, and a rejuvenated spirit. DAY OF WALK: Please arrive at the walk location 15 minutes prior to walk to allow for check-in and walk overview. Late arrivals cannot be accommodated due to the immersive nature of the program. This is a TECH-FREE experience, so please leave mobile phones in the car for the duration of walk.