Seeing is not believing at Cleveland’s new Museum of Illusions, which opened at the end of May.
“Everything is just full of trickery,” says general manager Krystal Casteneda.
While taking a turn around a corner, a cube on the wall suddenly turns into a pyramid. Shutting the door to the “Infinity Room,” instantly there is a never ending sea of yous staring back at the mirrors on the walls. Walking through the “Vortex Tunnel,” it’s easy to feel a bit queasy trying to figure out if you are walking quickly or if it is just the floor shrinking away.
Clever usage of lights and mirrors have transformed 200 Euclid Ave., Suite 130, into a psychedelic space full of images designed to trick the eye. It took over four months to convert the space inside Cleveland’s May Company building, which had been vacant for almost 10 years. The museum offers a new experience for Clevelanders looking to get out of the house this summer and enjoy the city, without the outing revolving around food or sports.
A trip could be as surface-level as getting clever Instagram photos that will stick out amongst your friends’ feeds, or as deep as talking with “Illusions Experts” near each station and reading the “What’s going on?” sections on the walls to understand the science behind the illusions. The “Illusion Experts” will also be able to give advice on the best poses for photos and offer guidance on puzzles scattered throughout the “Brain Gym,” a room designated for trying out some of the mind games available for purchase in the gift shop.
The museum is a part of a larger collection with over 45 locations, making it the fastest-growing chain of private museums in the world, according to the Museum of Illusions organization. Some of the exhibits like the “holograms” and “color room” are standard for the company, while two are unique to Cleveland — an upside down basketball court and a Downtown storefront which people can pretend to climb.
Visitors can find they are done anywhere from 40 minutes to two hours later, with the self-guided nature of the experience allowing the individual to take as much time as they want.
Tickets can be purchased online or in-person, although there is an upcharge for walkup sales. Tickets cost $24-$26 for adults and $20-$22 for kids under the age of 13. Children four and under get in free. Find more information about the Museum of Illusions at moicleveland.com.
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