Escape Reality Museum began as a dream shared by Prince Troncoso, who has always believed that creativity can change lives.

From the time he was a young boy, Prince was fascinated by the tiny, hidden worlds around him. He could spend hours watching ants build their homes—completely captivated by their villages, their teamwork, and their scale. He often wondered what it would feel like to shrink down and live inside those miniature worlds.

As he grew older, his imagination was fueled by the opening sequence of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. The moment the miniature town appeared on screen, it became his favorite part of every episode. Even though he didn’t yet know the word “miniatures,” he knew that what he was seeing was magical—and he wanted to be part of it.

Another spark came from watching Tomy & Friends miniature train layouts as a child. Those little worlds felt alive and full of possibility.

But everything changed one day in high school. While riding a train in New York City, Prince wandered off and accidentally discovered Jenn’s Hobby Shop—a tiny storefront that would shape the rest of his life.

Displayed in the window was a handcrafted model ship with extraordinary detail. It stopped him in his tracks.

Inside, the shop felt like stepping into another universe. Classical music played softly. The air smelled of old paper, wood, and paint. Behind the counter was a kind older woman named Colett, who welcomed him with a warm smile. To the left sat her son Dan, quietly working on another ship model.

Prince approached Dan and asked if he could learn how to build something like that. Dan looked up, laughed kindly, and said:

“If you want to learn… just sit next to me and watch.”

That simple invitation changed everything.

For years afterward, Prince visited the shop at least three times a week. It became a sanctuary—a place where time stopped, creativity flowed, and the stress of family struggles disappeared. The smell, the music, the shelves stacked high with dusty model boxes—all of it became part of his healing. Colett and Dan became more than hobby shop owners; they became mentors, support, and friends.

Miniatures became his therapy. His escape. His joy.

And eventually… his purpose.

Prince made a promise to himself:

One day, when he became good enough, he would share this world with others.

Twenty-five years later, that promise has become reality.

Escape Reality Museum exists to bring the healing, joy, imagination, and wonder of miniature art to people of all ages. Through free classes, hands-on creativity, community programs, and inspirational storytelling, we honor the magic that started in a tiny hobby shop—and share it with the world.

Every miniature tells a story.

And now, we can’t wait for you to be part of ours.