Manhattan's Museum of Illusions Will Have You Questioning Reality Itself

The Museum of Illusions has 14 locations worldwide, and Manhattan is home to the newest of them. The illusions may seem like tricks, but they are actually developed through science, math, biology, and psychology.

“Our team went through plenty of books on design, architecture, physics, and psychology to pick and choose what exhibits should be incorporated into this concept,” says museum CEO Renne Gjoni.

Left: Face swap illusion, right: Anti-gravity room

The NYC museum, located at 77 Eighth Avenue, has more than 15 rooms that account for 70-plus exhibits and installations for visitors to explore. Due to the immediate positive response and popularity, new exhibits are already in the process of being created. In addition, the NYC location (one of only two in the US currently) is looking to expand their premises and partner with companies such as Samsung and UNICEF.

Exhibits exclusive to the NYC location include: Thermal Grill, Following Eyes, and Zoetrope installation. Confused on what those exhibits could possibly entail? Indulge in your own personal experience anytime Monday through Thursday, between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m., and Friday through Sunday, 8 a.m.—11 p.m. And don’t forget your camera, because there’s tons of Insta-worthy photo-ops.

The Color Shadow Room

“People love the antigravity room, in which your sense of balance is put into in question,” teases Gjoni, who adds that the Rotated Room and Infinity Room are also popular with visitors. “It’s a very simple yet very memorable experience… something you really have to not just see but feel for yourself.”

The Smart Playroom offers games, puzzles, and knots that exercise cognitive skills, while Dilemma World helps kids hone their decision-making skills.