The Museum of Illusions opened yesterday in City Center. There are 50 interactive optical illusions, holograms, and mind tricks that will break your brain. Seriously, I walked out not knowing which way was up.
There are dozens of illusions museums around the world, but each one has exhibits iconic to that city. D.C. has one with the metro and several other art pieces that add a local flair which I appreciated.
One of my favorite illusions. Spin this really fast and see what happens … (Kaela Cote-Stemmermann/City Cast DC)
How to get there: The museum is two blocks from the Chinatown metro station and accessible by the red, green, and yellow lines. Google Maps will bring you to an apartment complex — keep walking west, the museum entrance is a small door around the corner!
Don’t miss:
- The Metro flip: Like the Metro, but without gravity
- The Infinity Room: See hundreds of yourself from every possible angle.
- The Vortex Tunnel: Fair warning, this one will make you motion sick.
Cost: The museum sells timed passes that are $24,with discounts for children, seniors, and military.
More tips:
- Many of the exhibits require a second person to get the full effect, so bring a friend.
- Plan on spending about 45 minutes - 1 hour to experience all the exhibits.
- Some installations require a phone (or other camera), so make sure someone in your group has one. Trust me, you’ll want the pictures!
Overall: This is a great quick and interactive museum. It would make for a fun date or kiddo excursion. It’s a bit expensive for such a short visit, but I think it’s worth it for the photos you get!
