The Museum of Illusions has finally opened its doors in London, adding to the city's growing collection of illusion-based attractions. Located on Tottenham Court Road, it joins the Twist Museum on Oxford Street and the Paradox Museum on Brompton Road. While the location is different, the experience is strikingly similar.
What to Expect
The museum offers a series of interactive displays and large-scale optical illusions that are sure to elicit a few 'huhs' from visitors. It's a diverting experience for all ages, particularly children, and provides plenty of photo opportunities. Classic forced perspective tricks abound, including the Beuchet chair and the ever-popular infinity room.
Highlights
- A giant kaleidoscope
- A mirror trick that makes it look like you're climbing the front of 10 Downing Street
- A table where you come face to face with eight reflections of yourself
- A vortex tunnel
- An infinity tunnel
Essentially, every reflection-based trick you can think of is on display. However, if you've visited the other illusion museums in London, you may find the exhibits familiar.
A Global Pioneer
Despite the similarities, the Museum of Illusions is no bandwagon chaser. The first branch opened in Zagreb in 2015, and there are now over 70 locations in 28 countries. The London venue is the second in the UK, following Manchester. The original team behind the concept clearly came up with it first, predating its London rivals.
Family-Friendly Fun
The museum will distract you for around an hour. Clear displays explain the history and science behind the illusions, and the price is competitive with its rivals. A seven-year-old is unlikely to question why you're paying for this instead of visiting one of London's numerous free museums. It can easily be combined with a trip to the nearby Outernet for additional entertainment.
Final Verdict
While one could argue that London doesn't need more generic tourist attractions that might divert visitors from the Tate Modern or British Museum, the Museum of Illusions is a great example of its kind. It offers fun, photogenic experiences that appeal to families, and three such museums is probably enough for the city.
