Meow Wolf to cut 165 jobs across four states

Despite its recent expansions, Meow Wolf will reduce its workforce on Wednesday.

According to an internal email, approximately 165 employees across the Santa Fe-based company’s locations and divisions will be affected as part of the organizational change.

“There is no easy way to break this news,” Jose Tolosa, Meow Wolf CEO, wrote in the email on Monday. “On Wednesday (April 17), Meow Wolf will be announcing that we are cutting expenses by approximately 10% and reducing our workforce in order to right size the business, fund our growth, and continue driving our future success.”

In addition to Santa Fe, Meow Wolf has locations in Las Vegas, Nevada; Denver; and Grapevine, Texas, and will be opening in Houston later this year.

Meow Wolf began as an artists collective in 2008 in Santa Fe, where it became known for its large-scale interactive and immersive installations. “House of Eternal Return” is the company’s flagship attraction, which is a 20,000-square-foot building that houses a concert venue in addition to the installation.

“When we opened our first exhibitions, we were inventing an operating model from scratch,” Tolosa continued in the email. “Over the past three years, we’ve developed a better understanding of our guests and what we need to staff and support our exhibitions in order to make the most of the growth opportunities ahead, including our Houston location that opens later this year.”

When contacted by the Journal, Tolosa said he would have no further comment than that which was in the email.

According to Meow Wolf, the cuts will affect 111 employees across the exhibitions and the corporate team.

No official number was given from Meow Wolf on how “House of Eternal Return” in Santa Fe would be affected.

Additionally, Meow Wolf is proposing to eliminate 54 bargaining unit positions in Las Vegas. Tolosa said the company is “actively negotiating with the union as there is no collective bargaining agreement in place.”

“We know our actions affect the community, and we’re making every effort to lessen negative impacts and be a good neighbor,” Tolosa said. “Expansion is still an important part of our business strategy, and these changes will enable us to continue to grow in a way that is smart and sustainable.”

The 165 cuts represent the second time Meow Wolf has reduced its staff. The company let go of 201 during the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2020. Those employees were forced to sign nondisclosure agreements to collect their severance.