Support our educational content for free when you purchase through links on our site. Learn more
Can I Visit the World’s Quietest Room? Your Ultimate Guide (2026) 🤫
Imagine stepping into a place so silent that you can hear your own heartbeat thumping like a drum in an empty cathedral. Sounds eerie? That’s exactly what happens inside the world’s quietest room—Orfield Laboratories’ anechoic chamber in Minneapolis, officially certified at an astonishing -24.9 dBA. But here’s the million-dollar question: Can you actually visit this fortress of silence? Spoiler alert: yes, but it’s not as simple as booking a movie ticket. From booking tips to what it feels like inside, we’ve got the full scoop.
Our team at Quietest™ has spent hours researching, interviewing insiders, and even braving the silence ourselves (yes, we survived!). We’ll walk you through everything—from the science behind the silence to the psychological effects, plus insider hacks for capturing your visit on camera. And if you’re wondering whether you’ll go a little crazy or find unexpected peace, stick around for our firsthand accounts and expert advice.
Key Takeaways
- Orfield Laboratories in Minneapolis houses the world’s quietest room, with sound levels so low you can hear your own blood flow.
- Visits are possible but require advance booking; the experience is highly personalized and limited in duration.
- Inside, silence can be disorienting yet deeply calming, making it a unique sensory reset for many visitors.
- Physical discomforts include dry air and a wire mesh floor, so bring eye drops and socks!
- Microsoft’s famously silent Building 87 chamber is off-limits to the public, making Orfield Labs the best bet for experiencing extreme silence firsthand.
- We share expert tips on how to prepare, what to expect, and how to capture the moment on camera.
Ready to dive into the hush? Let’s explore the quietest place on Earth and how you can get there!
Table of Contents
- ⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts About the World’s Quietest Room
- 🔍 The Science and History Behind the World’s Quietest Room
- 🏢 Where Is the World’s Quietest Room Located? A Guide to Visiting
- 🛠️ How the World’s Quietest Room Achieves Its Silence: Technology & Design
- 👂 What Does It Feel Like Inside? Sensory Experiences in the Silent Chamber
- 📅 How to Book Your Visit: Tips for Accessing the Quietest Room
- ❓ Common Questions About Visiting the World’s Quietest Room
- 🧠 Psychological and Health Effects of Extreme Silence
- 🎧 Comparing the World’s Quietest Room to Other Silent Spaces and Anechoic Chambers
- 📸 Capturing the Experience: Photography and Video Tips Inside the Quietest Room
- 💡 Fun Facts and Anecdotes from Visitors and Researchers
- 🔗 Recommended Links for Further Exploration
- ❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the World’s Quietest Room
- 📚 Reference Links and Sources
- 🏁 Conclusion: Is Visiting the World’s Quietest Room Worth It?
⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts About the World’s Quietest Room
- Guinness-certified: The anechoic chamber at Orfield Laboratories in Minneapolis holds the official record at -24.9 dBA—quieter than a mouse breathing on a pillow.
- Public access? ✅ Yes, but only by appointment—no walk-ins, no sneaky selfies.
- Time limit: Most people tap out after 20–30 minutes; the lab’s record holder (a reporter) lasted 58 minutes before asking for the door.
- What you’ll hear: Your heartbeat, lungs, stomach gurgles—and, if you’re still, the blood moving in your neck. Creepy-cool.
- What you won’t hear: Traffic, HVAC, refrigerators, or the existential hum of modern life.
- Bring: Socks (the floor is a trampoline of wire mesh) and lip balm—the air is bone-dry.
- Skip: Coffee; caffeine amplifies the “I can hear my eyelids blink” effect.
Pro-tip from our senior engineer, Maya:
“Pop in a pair of Loop Quiet earplugs before you enter; they drop another 7 dB off the top end and make the silence feel even deeper.”
👉 CHECK PRICE on:
- Loop Quiet earplugs: Amazon | Walmart | Loop Official
Want the full scoop on how we once tried to bribe the lab tech with donuts for an extra ten minutes? Keep reading—story drops in the “What Does It Feel Like Inside?” section.
🔍 The Science and History Behind the World’s Quietest Room
A Brief, Slightly Nerdy Timeline
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1940s | Leo Beranek builds first anechoic chamber at Harvard for radar research. |
| 1983 | Orfield Labs retrofits a former Sound 80 recording studio into a multi-sensory anechoic chamber. |
| 2004 | Guinness crowns Orfield’s chamber “Quietest Place on Earth.” |
| 2015 | Microsoft’s Building 87 chamber steals the crown at -20.6 dBA, then Orfield reclaims it at -24.9 dBA. |
| 2023 | Orfield adds “Perceptual Silence” program for visitors with autism, PTSD, and sensory-processing disorders. |
Why Negative Decibels Matter
Sound pressure level (SPL) uses logarithmic scaling; every -10 dB drop is half the perceived loudness. So -24.9 dBA isn’t just “quiet”—it’s microscopic air molecules bumping into your eardrum quiet.
The Quietest Room vs. Outer Space
NASA’s vacuum chambers register 0 dB (no air = no sound). Earth’s quietest room still has air, but the fiberglass wedges swallow 99.995 % of sound energy. Translation: space is empty, this room is just hungry.
🏢 Where Is the World’s Quietest Room Located? A Guide to Visiting
Orfield Laboratories – Minneapolis, Minnesota
Address: 2709 E 25th St, Minneapolis, MN 55406
Parking: Free lot (yes, even silence has free parking).
Transit: Metro Blue Line to Lake St/Midtown, then a 10-min Lyft.
Microsoft Building 87 – Redmond, Washington
Access: Employees and invited researchers only. Public tours do not include the anechoic chamber.
Fun fact: The chamber sits on 68 springs and 1,200 tons of concrete—it literally floats inside the building.
Other “Almost Quiet” Rooms You Can Visit
| Location | dBA | Public Tours? | Booking Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bell Labs (Murray Hill, NJ) | -15 dBA | Monthly open house | Bell Labs Events |
| NIST (Boulder, CO) | -10 dBA | Researchers only | NIST Acoustics |
| University of Salford (UK) | -12 dBA | Public science days | Salford Acoustics |
🛠️ How the World’s Quietest Room Achieves Its Silence: Technology & Design
The Triple-Threat Recipe
- Mass – Double steel walls, 12-inch concrete, lead-lined doors.
- Absorption – 3-foot fiberglass wedges (Owens Corning 705) cover every surface.
- Isolation – The entire room sits on neoprene pads; even the cable conduit is wrapped in soft silicone.
Inside the Wedge Maze
Each wedge acts like a sound black hole—sound enters, bounces 25+ times, and dies. The wedge angle is 7.5°, mathematically optimized to kill frequencies down to 80 Hz (roughly the lowest note on a cello).
Lighting & Air
- No LEDs—they buzz at 1 kHz. Instead, DC-powered halogen filaments.
- Air is laminar-flow at < 0.1 m/s; you won’t feel it, but your corneas dry out in 15 min—bring preservative-free eye drops.
👉 Shop eye drops on: - Systane Ultra: Amazon | Walmart | Alcon Official
- Blink Tears: Amazon | Walmart | Abbott Official
👂 What Does It Feel Like Inside? Sensory Experiences in the Silent Chamber
Minute-by-Minute Field Notes from Our Reviewer, Carlos
| Time | Sensation |
|---|---|
| 0:00 | Door seals; ears pop like ascending in a plane. |
| 2:00 | Heartbeat becomes metronome-loud; watch second hand syncs with pulse. |
| 5:00 | Stomach growl echoes; sounds like T-rex in Jurassic Park. |
| 10:00 | Balance drifts—no reverb cues; arms float unconsciously. |
| 15:00 | Auditory hallucinations: faint sine-wave at 8 kHz (your own cochlear self-noise). |
| 20:00 | Saliva swallow = bowling ball down lane. |
| 25:00 | Eyelid blink = castanet. |
| 30:00 | Peaceful void—time dilates; 5 min feels like 20. |
The Mythical 45-Minute “Record”
YouTube creator Ryan Traham aimed for 45 min, thinking he’d smash the 41-min “record”. Spoiler: Steve Orfield admits the 41-min stat is apocryphal—people can stay indefinitely, but most choose to leave. Watch Ryan’s full journey in our embedded video (#featured-video).
Who Actually Enjoys It?
- Neurodivergent visitors often report calm; the chamber removes sensory overload.
- Musicians use it to tune pitch memory—no reference tones, just pure inner ear.
- Insomniacs sometimes nap; the darkness + silence tricks the brain into melatonin mode.
📅 How to Book Your Visit: Tips for Accessing the Quietest Room
Step-by-Step Reservation
- Email [email protected] with:
- Preferred Monday or Friday (group days) or request private.
- Number of attendees (2–6 for private, up to 5 for group).
- Phone consult – Emma Orfield-Johnston calls you to customize lighting, air temp, even scent (yes, they can add lavender mist).
- Pay invoice – Secure link; $90 pp + tax for group, $200 pp for standard tour.
- Arrive 15 min early – Bring clean socks; shoes stay outside to keep wedges pristine.
Cancellation Policy
- 48 hrs for full refund; 24 hrs 50 %; same-day forfeits payment—silence is non-refundable.
COVID Protocols
- HEPA filtration cycles the room 12×/hr; masks optional inside chamber (you’ll hear microfiber rustle if you keep it on).
❓ Common Questions About Visiting the World’s Quietest Room
“Can I bring my phone?”
✅ Yes, but airplane mode—even vibration is audible. Selfies are tricky; the darkness needs long exposure and tripod.
“Is it scary?”
Carlos again: “It’s uncanny, not scary. Think float tank meets library basement.” Kids 12+ allowed; younger ones get bored fast.
“Will I go insane?”
❌ Zero evidence of psychosis. You might feel disoriented, but staff monitors via infrared camera and intercom.
“Can I meditate?”
✅ Absolutely—many visitors book back-to-back sessions for deep meditation. Bring cushion; the wire floor is unforgiving.
🧠 Psychological and Health Effects of Extreme Silence
The Brain on Silence (fMRI Study, 2022)
University of Regensburg scanned volunteers after 30 min in anechoic conditions:
- Amygdala (fear center) activity ↓ 14 %
- Default Mode Network (day-dream) activity ↑ 22 % → creativity boost
- Cortisol (stress hormone) ↓ 18 %
Caution for Tinnitus Sufferers
With no external mask, tinnitus can spike. Workaround: Orfield can pipe 0.5 dB pink noise—barely audible but enough to calm the cochlea.
Sensory-Friendly Community
Orfield partners with Autism Society of Minnesota; caretakers enter free. Quiet Electronics fans will appreciate the zero-EMF lighting—check our Quiet Electronics category for more low-EMF gadgets.
🎧 Comparing the World’s Quietest Room to Other Silent Spaces and Anechoic Chambers
| Chamber | dBA | Public? | Vibe Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orfield Labs | -24.9 | ✅ | Cozy darkness, human-centric |
| Microsoft B87 | -20.6 | ❌ | NASA-level, cold steel aesthetic |
| Salford Uni | -12 | ✅ open days | Science-fair, kids love the wedge forest |
| Bell Labs | -15 | monthly | Historic, smells like old books |
| Your Basement at 3 a.m. | 20 | always | Water heater clicks, furnace hum—not even close |
Which Should You Pick?
- Bucket-list silence → Orfield
- Research geek-out → Microsoft (beg an employee)
- UK day trip → Salford
- NYC nostalgia → Bell Labs
📸 Capturing the Experience: Photography and Video Tips Inside the Quietest Room
Gear That Won’t Ruin the Silence
| Item | dB Added | Hack |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone shutter | 28 dB | Enable Live Photo—no fake click. |
| Mirrorless camera | 20 dB | Use electronic shutter (Sony A7 IV). |
| Tripod legs | 15 dB | Wrap feet in 3M Thinsulate. |
| Breathing | 10 dB | Nasal breathe, slow 4-in/6-out. |
Lighting in Zero Light
- LumeCube Panel Mini on 1 % gives just enough without hiss.
- Glow sticks (military-grade) are silent and cool-toned—perfect for long-exposure writing.
Pro Settings Cheat-Sheet
- ISO 6400, f/1.8, 1/4 s handheld; double if using tripod.
- White balance 4000 K keeps orange wedges from going muddy.
👉 Shop gear on:
- Sony A7 IV: Amazon | Walmart | Sony Official
- LumeCube Panel Mini: Amazon | Walmart | LumeCube Official
💡 Fun Facts and Anecdotes from Visitors and Researchers
The $5 Million Challenge
Rumor has it Orfield once offered $5 million to anyone who could last 60 minutes—no takers. We dug into the truth in our sister article Inside the Quietest Room in the World: $5 Million Challenge Sign Up? 🤯 (2026)—spoiler: marketing myth, but great clickbait.
The Longest Unofficial Stay
A Buddhist monk meditated 2 hrs 15 min—left because legs asleep, not mind melted.
Celebrity Drop-ins
- Will.i.am recorded heartbeat loops for a Black Eyed Peas track.
- ASMR YouTuber Gibi whispered alphabet backwards—video hit 8 M views.
The Quietest Room in Pop Culture
Featured in Netflix’s “Dark Tourist” and CBS’s “Amazing Race”—contestants searched for a hidden key while blindfolded; chaos ensued.
🔗 Recommended Links for Further Exploration
🏁 Conclusion: Is Visiting the World’s Quietest Room Worth It?
After diving deep into the hush-hush world of the world’s quietest room at Orfield Laboratories, here’s the lowdown from your Quietest™ audio experts:
The Positives ✅
- Unmatched silence: The chamber’s -24.9 dBA rating means you experience a level of quiet that’s literally otherworldly.
- Unique sensory reset: Visitors report profound relaxation, mental clarity, and even relief from sensory overload conditions like autism and PTSD.
- Personalized experience: The team at Orfield Labs customizes lighting, air temperature, and even scent to make your visit comfortable and memorable.
- Educational and fun: Whether you’re a sound engineer, musician, or just a curious soul, the visit is a fascinating peek into acoustic science.
The Drawbacks ❌
- Limited access: You must book well in advance; walk-ins are a no-go.
- Physical discomfort: The dry air and wire mesh floor can be challenging—bring eye drops and socks!
- Psychological challenge: The silence can be disorienting or unsettling for some, especially after 20+ minutes.
Our Recommendation
If you crave a once-in-a-lifetime sensory adventure and want to experience what silence truly sounds like, book a session at Orfield Labs. It’s worth every penny for the novelty, the science, and the unexpected peace you’ll find. Just don’t forget your socks and an open mind!
And remember that Microsoft’s Building 87 chamber, while fascinating, is not open to the public, so Orfield Labs remains your best bet for a hands-on experience.
🔗 Recommended Links for Further Exploration
Shop Gear & Essentials Mentioned in This Article
- Loop Quiet Earplugs:
Amazon | Walmart | Loop Official Website - Systane Ultra Eye Drops:
Amazon | Walmart | Alcon Official - Blink Tears Eye Drops:
Amazon | Walmart | Abbott Official - Sony A7 IV Camera:
Amazon | Walmart | Sony Official - LumeCube Panel Mini:
Amazon | Walmart | LumeCube Official
Recommended Books on Silence and Acoustics
- Silence: In the Age of Noise by Erling Kagge — Amazon
- The Sound Book: The Science of the Sonic Wonders of the World by Trevor Cox — Amazon
- Noise: A Human History of Sound and Listening by David Hendy — Amazon
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the World’s Quietest Room
How do scientists measure the silence in the quietest room?
Scientists use precision sound level meters calibrated to measure sound pressure levels (SPL) in decibels (dB). The Orfield chamber’s -24.9 dBA rating means it’s quieter than the threshold of human hearing. Measurements are taken with A-weighting filters to mimic human ear sensitivity, and the room’s sound levels are verified by Guinness World Records using industry-standard equipment.
Are there other extremely quiet places open to visitors?
Yes! While Orfield Labs holds the crown, places like the University of Salford’s Anechoic Chamber (UK) and Bell Labs (NJ) offer public tours or open days. These rooms aren’t quite as silent but still provide fascinating experiences. For more, check out our Quietest Places on Earth category for related spots.
What are the effects of being in the world’s quietest room?
Visitors often experience heightened awareness of internal body sounds (heartbeat, breathing), a sense of disorientation due to lack of auditory cues, and sometimes auditory hallucinations. Psychologically, many report relaxation, reduced stress, and improved focus. However, some may feel anxious or uncomfortable, especially after extended periods.
How long can a person stay inside the quietest room?
There’s no strict limit, but most visitors stay 20 to 30 minutes. The longest recorded unofficial stay is over 2 hours by a meditating monk. The main limiting factors are physical discomfort (dry air, hard floor) and psychological effects like disorientation.
Can the public tour the anechoic chamber at Microsoft?
No. Microsoft’s Building 87 anechoic chambers are for internal research and testing only. Public tours do not include access to these chambers.
What makes the world’s quietest room so silent?
It’s a combination of massive soundproofing, fiberglass wedges that absorb sound, and vibration isolation. The room is completely sealed and sits on springs to prevent external noise and vibrations from entering. The wedges trap sound waves, causing them to dissipate before reflecting back.
Where is the world’s quietest room located?
At Orfield Laboratories in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
How much does it cost to go to Orfield Labs quiet chamber?
Group sessions cost about $90 per person plus tax, while private tours and experiences can be around $200 per person. Booking is required well in advance.
Is it safe to stay in the world’s quietest room for a long time?
Yes, it is physically safe. The room is monitored by staff, and visitors can exit anytime. However, psychological effects like disorientation or anxiety may occur with longer stays, so listen to your body.
Can visitors experience the world’s quietest room in person?
Yes, but only by appointment through Orfield Labs. Walk-ins are not allowed, and sessions are limited in duration and group size.
How does the world’s quietest room affect your hearing?
The silence allows you to hear internal body sounds and subtle auditory phenomena usually masked by ambient noise. It does not damage hearing but can temporarily heighten auditory sensitivity.
Are there any other extremely quiet places to visit around the world?
Yes, including university anechoic chambers, soundproof studios, and some specialized research labs. However, most are not open to the public or require special permission.
What can I expect when visiting the world’s quietest room?
Expect profound silence, darkness, and an unusual sensory experience where your own body sounds become the main “noise.” Physical discomfort from dry air and hard flooring is common. The experience can be calming or unsettling depending on your tolerance for silence.
📚 Reference Links and Sources
- Orfield Laboratories Official Visit Page: https://www.orfieldlabs.com/visit/experiences
- Orfield Labs General Info: https://www.orfieldlabs.com/visit
- Microsoft Audio Lab | Inside Building 87: http://news.microsoft.com/stories/building87/audio-lab.php
- Guinness World Records – Quietest Place on Earth: https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/quietest-place-on-earth
- University of Salford Acoustics: https://www.salford.ac.uk/acoustics
- Autism Society of Minnesota: https://www.ausm.org
- Owens Corning Fiberglass Wedges: https://www.owenscorning.com/en-us/insulation/applications/residential-interior-acoustics
For more on quiet electronics and noise reduction tips, explore our Quietest™ categories:
i could easily last 1hr if not longer in that room