Manchester’s Museum of Illusions is so out of this world – you have to see it to believe it.
With over 65 immersive optical illusions, Manchester’s Museum of Illusions is the perfect spot for a truly spectacular family day out or a date night with a twist.
Lose all sense of reality with mind-bending installations and full-scale illusion rooms as you make your way around the museum loop, beginning with the first of two Manchester inspired pieces. No, it’s not just you that Alan Turing can’t seem to take his eyes off from!
Following some quick wall illusions where you’ll question the true size of the shapes in front of you, heal your inner child with the museum’s double-ended kaleidoscope – an adult version of your favourite childhood toy. Later, there’s even the chance to grab your own pocket-sized version from the gift shop!
After seeing double, triple and even quadruple versions of each other, it’s time to explore the many interactive illusion rooms. One of our favourites is the Infinity Room which is a modern twist on the hall of mirrors, complete with dozens of mirrorballs on the ceiling to make it even more disorienting.
There are placards on every exhibit that explain the science behind the illusion, making a trip to the museum both entertaining and educational for young minds and parents alike. Helpful photo spots also make it easy to get the perfect illusion shot to show excited grandparents.
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The most popular museum exhibit, Building Illusion, is great for getting everyone involved. By cleverly arranging yourself on top of this upside down house, it looks like you’re hanging from the balcony. For the best photo, we recommend one of you looking over in complete shock!
You can then amble down the dazzling gallery of holograms and play tricks with your eyes with five images including a young scientist, a ferocious tiger and even a microscope that lets you peer into the lens and examine the dragonfly inside.
It’s hard to pick a favourite exhibit at The Museum of Illusions, but the Vortex Tunnel is definitely up there. One step inside and you’ll be reaching for the grab rails as you suddenly appear to start spinning in a hamster wheel – but don’t worry, you’re not really moving!
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Leaving the Vortex Tunnel slightly nauseous is a given, so take a brief respite before gazing into the Infinity Dodecahedron. This is the museum manager’s favourite illusion! Using interrogation glass that only lets you see one side of the mirror, it’ll make you question everything as you peer deep into the never-ending abyss below.
With plenty of room between exhibits and information cards that explain how to use the illusion rooms, you can make your way through the museum at your own pace. There’s also a dedicated space with chairs and table puzzles midway through the museum where you can sit and take five.
While it’s great for families and big groups of children (especially when there’s free entry for kids under 4 and teachers), it’s safe to say The Museum of Illusions isn’t just for tiny minds.
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Whether you want to hang upside down from an iconic Manchester tram or serve yourself for lunch with the famous Head on a Platter illusion, all ages will be equally blown away by the mind boggling exhibits.
And the best part of the Museum of Illusions? Your ticket gives you all-day entry, meaning you can spend as long as you want tricking your senses – and then come back for more!
Museum of Illusions, 58-66 Market Street, Manchester, M1 1PW. Entry costs £21 for adults, from £17.50 for children aged 5-14 years and free for under 4s. Open Sunday to Wednesday 10am to 8pm, Thursday 10am to 9pm and Friday and Saturday from 10am to 10pm.
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