Museum of Illusions New York
Step into a world where nothing is as it seems! Explore mind-bending exhibits, defy gravity, and capture hilarious photos.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Museum of Illusions New York
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into a world where nothing is as it seems! Explore mind-bending exhibits, defy gravity, and capture hilarious photos.
"It's a fun, interactive experience filled with optical illusions that really challenge how you see the world."
📸 Use Discount Codes
Many creators offer 10% off tickets! Check TikTok & Insta bios before buying.
👯♀️ Go with Friends
Many exhibits are better with 2+ people for photos & interaction.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Vortex Tunnel
Main Exhibit Area
Step into a spinning tunnel that tricks your brain into thinking the floor is moving. A true test of balance!
Infinity Room
Main Exhibit Area
Experience endless reflections in this room, creating mind-bending photo opportunities that look like you're in a hall of mirrors.
Tilted Room
Main Exhibit Area
Defy gravity in this room where the floor and walls are at an angle, making for hilarious and disorienting photos.
Ames Room
Main Exhibit Area
Watch as people appear to grow or shrink in this specially constructed room, playing with perspective.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
+4Go with a Group
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Use Discount Codes
Many creators offer 10% off tickets! Check TikTok & Insta bios before buying.
👯♀️ Go with Friends
Many exhibits are better with 2+ people for photos & interaction.
🤳 Ask Staff for Photo Help
They know the best angles and how to capture the illusions perfectly!
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be walking and posing, so comfortable footwear is key.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Use Discount Codes
Many creators offer 10% off tickets! Check TikTok & Insta bios before buying.
👯♀️ Go with Friends
Many exhibits are better with 2+ people for photos & interaction.
🤳 Ask Staff for Photo Help
They know the best angles and how to capture the illusions perfectly!
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be walking and posing, so comfortable footwear is key.
⏳ Allow 30-45 Minutes
It's not huge, but you'll want time to enjoy each exhibit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Museum of Illusions New York to be a fun, interactive experience with many photo opportunities, though some note it's a bit small and can be quickly explored. The staff are generally praised for their helpfulness in capturing the best illusionary shots. While enjoyable for most, it's noted as less ideal for very young children due to stroller and changing table limitations.
"Museum of Illusions is a fun, high energy stop right by the High Line, tucked at 77 8th Ave in the Meatpacking Chelsea area. The space is bright and easy to move through, and it is basically built for laughing at your own brain while you take ridiculous photos. 
The best parts are the big interactive rooms like the Vortex Tunnel, Tilted Room, Infinity Room, and Ames Room, plus smaller optical tricks and puzzles that keep you curious the whole way through. It is great for families, teens, or anyone who likes a little playful chaos in their day. 
A quick note, it can feel crowded during peak times even with timed tickets, so going a bit earlier or on a weekday helps, and buying tickets online is the smoothest move. Overall, a clever, photo heavy experience that is easy to enjoy and a nice break from the usual museum scene. "
rated by maryam • food critic
"Come on over to the Museum of Illusions where they have a collection of perspective-changing rooms, enthralling installations, and spellbinding images. The museum was smaller than what my friends and I thought it would be, but we still had fun!
Spanned over two floors, the museums have many installations, images, and illusion rooms. The installations will have you question your perceptions. Some of which are Head on a Platter, Cloning Table, and Beuchet Chair. The images will test your observation skills, letting you try to spot the difference between what you see and what is actually there. Some of these are Optical Illusions and Holograms. The illusion rooms are the most entertaining by far. These include the Infinity Room, the Tilted Room, and the Reversed Room.
I highly recommend coming early and trying the Reversed Room. It is so much fun planning and experimenting with various poses with your friends to see how to manipulate the photos. I do wish the museum was larger with much more illusion rooms, images, and installations, but it is still definitely worth checking out!"
Stephen K
"It was okay. Small building. Not expensive I think it was like $30 but it wasnt a ton of stuff to do. There are like three things you can interact with. Could be better."
Melissa Stclair
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Museum of Illusions New York is located at 77 8th Ave, New York, NY 10014, in the Chelsea neighborhood. It's easily accessible by subway, with several stations nearby including 14th Street-Union Square (L, N, Q, R, W, 4, 5, 6) and 14th Street (1, 2, 3, F, M). Many visitors find it convenient to use public transport to navigate NYC.
While there isn't dedicated parking for the museum, there are several parking garages in the vicinity of 77 8th Ave. However, parking in Manhattan can be expensive, so taking the subway or other public transportation is often a more cost-effective and convenient option for visiting the museum.
For tourists, the subway is generally the most efficient and recommended way to reach the Museum of Illusions New York. It allows you to avoid traffic and parking hassles. Plan your route using a transit app for real-time updates.
Yes, the Museum of Illusions NYC is very accessible by public transport. Multiple subway lines stop within walking distance, making it easy to reach from various parts of the city.
Walking from Times Square to the Museum of Illusions would take approximately 30-40 minutes. While possible, taking the subway is a much quicker option to save time for exploring the museum itself.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but general admission for adults is around $33.60 and for children around $26.65. It's highly recommended to check their official website for the most current pricing and to book in advance. Many social media creators offer discount codes for 10% off.
Yes, you can typically purchase tickets at the door, but booking online in advance is often recommended to secure your spot and potentially get a better price or use a discount code.
Absolutely! Many TikTok and Instagram influencers share discount codes for 10% off tickets. Look for codes like '10SUMMER', 'carlosmoinyc', 'Nycnaymoi', 'AMORRAY10', or 'SNEAKYMOINYC' when booking online.
The Museum of Illusions NYC generally operates from 10 am to 10 pm on Mondays through Thursdays, and from 10 am to 11 pm on Fridays through Sundays. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours, especially around holidays.
While the museum is fun for all ages, it may not be ideal for infants or toddlers. There are no ramps for strollers, and restrooms may not have changing tables, making it challenging for parents with very young children.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend between 30 to 45 minutes exploring all the exhibits at the Museum of Illusions New York. It's a relatively compact space, but packed with interactive experiences.
Expect a variety of optical illusions, interactive exhibits, holograms, and mind-bending rooms. Popular attractions include the Vortex Tunnel, Infinity Room, Tilted Room, and Ames Room, all designed to challenge your perception and create fun photo opportunities.
Yes, the Museum of Illusions NYC is an excellent spot for photos! Many exhibits are specifically designed for creative and shareable pictures. The staff can even help you capture the best shots.
No prior knowledge of illusions is needed! The exhibits are designed to be intuitive and fun for everyone. The staff is also available to explain how the illusions work and help you get the most out of your visit.
Absolutely! The Museum of Illusions is highly interactive. You're encouraged to touch, pose, and participate in the exhibits to experience the illusions fully.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Museum of Illusions New York primarily focuses on its exhibits and does not have an on-site cafe or restaurant. You'll need to explore the surrounding Chelsea neighborhood for dining options before or after your visit.
The museum is located in the vibrant Chelsea area, offering a wide array of dining choices. From casual cafes and pizza joints to more upscale restaurants, you'll find plenty of options to suit any taste and budget nearby.
Typically, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside museums to maintain the exhibits. It's best to consume any snacks or beverages before entering or plan to visit a nearby eatery afterward.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is not only allowed but highly encouraged at the Museum of Illusions New York! Many exhibits are designed for creating unique and shareable photos.
The Infinity Room, Tilted Room, Ames Room, and the Vortex Tunnel are all fantastic for photos. The staff can also guide you on how to best capture the illusions.
While photography is encouraged, it's always a good practice to check for any specific signage regarding flash photography. Some exhibits might be sensitive to bright lights, though generally, flash is permitted for personal photos.
The entire museum is essentially a series of photo opportunities! While there might not be traditional photo booths, each exhibit is a unique backdrop for creative shots. The staff often assists in taking photos.
You can expect to take fun, disorienting, and gravity-defying photos. Think of yourself floating, shrinking, growing, or appearing in impossible scenarios – perfect for social media!
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1While the museum is great for kids, parents should be aware that it might not be the most stroller-friendly or equipped for infants. However, for families with children aged 5 and up, it offers a unique experience that combines entertainment with a subtle introduction to optical science. The staff's willingness to help with photos also adds to the family-friendly atmosphere.
📸 Instagrammers & Content Creators
+3Many creators share discount codes, so be sure to look for those before purchasing tickets. Remember to bring your phone or camera and be ready to experiment with poses and angles. The staff are often happy to help you get the perfect shot, making it easier to create stunning, shareable content.
+4👫 Couples & Date Nights
+1It's a great way to break the ice and create shared memories. The museum's location in Chelsea also means you're surrounded by great dining and entertainment options for before or after your visit, making it a complete date night package.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Illusion: What to Expect
+1Many of the exhibits are designed to be experienced with others, making it a great group activity. The staff are often on hand to help explain the science behind the illusions or to assist in taking the perfect, mind-bending photograph. This hands-on approach ensures that every visitor, regardless of age, can engage with and enjoy the displays. The goal is to make you question what you see and have a blast doing it.
Key attractions include the Vortex Tunnel, which makes you feel like you're walking through a spinning cylinder, the Infinity Room for endless reflections, and the Tilted Room that defies gravity. These, along with many other visual puzzles and brain teasers, create a memorable and often hilarious experience. It's a place where reality bends and fun takes center stage.
+2Capturing the Magic: Photography Tips
+3To get the best photos, remember that many illusions work best when viewed from a specific angle or when multiple people are involved. Don't hesitate to ask the museum staff for assistance; they are experts at capturing the perfect illusionary shot and can guide you on how to pose for maximum effect. They can help you understand how to best utilize the perspective tricks.
Bring your phone or camera fully charged, as you'll likely be taking more pictures than you anticipate. Consider experimenting with different angles and perspectives to truly capture the mind-bending nature of the exhibits. The goal is to create images that make viewers do a double-take and wonder, 'How did they do that?'
+1Navigating the Museum: Practicalities
+3While the museum is designed for fun and interaction, it's worth noting that it's not ideal for infants or toddlers. The exhibits may be challenging to navigate with strollers, and the restrooms might lack changing facilities, as mentioned by some visitors.
Booking tickets online in advance is highly recommended. Not only can it save you time, but many social media creators share discount codes, offering a percentage off the ticket price. This is a great way to make your visit more budget-friendly.
+4
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit