You know the Museum Campus in the South Loop. The Field Museum, Adler Planetarium, and Shedd Aquarium are hands down some of the most famous places to visit in the city, no questions asked. But, can you really consider yourself a true Chicagoan if you haven’t branched out to some of the smaller, more niche museums that are all around the city? If you’re looking for a place to start your tour-de-expose in Chicago, there is no better place than the Museum of Illusions.
Since 2020, the Museum of Illusions in Chicago has allowed guests to experience the full scope of optical illusions, making for thrilling trickery and an outstanding “edutainment” experience. As part of the Museum of Illusions group, the Chicago branch joined more than 20 other locations across the globe and continues to be the only museum in its category in our city. The museum has over 60 exhibits showcasing different illusions, puzzles, pictures, and immersive rooms, with no exhibit being quite alike.
In the heart of The Loop in Chicago, it often seems like there is more than enough stimulation throughout each day, but the Museum of Illusions offers guests the chance to play with their own senses while having fun deciphering the information their brain is receiving. Not only can you view the exhibits, but you have every opportunity to get up close and personal, engaging and playing with the simulations the museum has set up.
With full-scale installations like the “Vortex Tunnel” and “Reversed Room”, you will quite literally be holding onto your surroundings as you navigate your way. Immersive experiences such as “Head on a Platter”, “Cloning Table”, and “Becheut Chair” will leave you guessing what’s real and what’s all a trick.
While it’s definitely a draw, this museum isn’t only about grabbing the perfect selfie. The exhibits at the Museum of Illusions in Chicago are based on math, science, and psychology, with a knowledgeable staff that’s ready to explain it all. Who said learning couldn’t be fun? There are also often rotating events, so be sure to check out their event calendar to see what’s coming up next.
So, whether you’re headed to the museum for an Instagram photo-op, a fun time with family and friends while experiencing mind-boggling exhibits, or to learn more about the perplexing science behind optical illusions, the Museum of Illusions is an incredible space in Chicago that is truly second to none and the visit every time.
Featured Image: Museum of Illusions