Juliana Morello
The Museum of Illusions offers visitors the chance to play with perception and reality.
Described as a “one-of-a-kind entertainment destination,” the Museum of Illusions in Pittsburgh offers over 60 visual and educational exhibits with holograms, optical illusions, stereograms, and immersive rooms “designed to tease the senses and trick the mind.” Exhibits include illusion rooms such as the Tilted Room, Reverse Room, and Vortex Tunnel, while installations include the Beuchet Chair, Cloning Table, and Head on a Platter.
The museum, which opened in December of 2023, is located at 267 North Shore Drive. It is open from 10am to 8pm from Sunday to Thursday, and from 10am to 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
“We wanted to bring the museum to Pittsburgh because this is a city that is built on innovation,” said Stacy Stec, the museum’s Director of Sales and Marketing. “This is the first market of this size we’ve opened in, and it’s because of Pittsburghers — they have curiosity, creativity, and passion that’s unmatched.”
Tickets can be purchased online or in person, and provide a 20-minute time slot for staggered entry in order to prevent crowding. It usually takes around an hour or so to explore the museum and its attractions.
Tickets for adults are $25.00 and tickets for children ages 5-12 are $20.00. Children under 4 do not need a ticket. Group rates are available as well, in addition to full-facility rentals for corporate and private events.
The museum also hosts field trips for grades 3-12. Within the trips, students “explore illusions, perception, and optical phenomena through STEM, ELA, and Visual Arts.” The program ensures enjoyment of the visit while offering a holistic experience that is both immersive and educational.
Field trips also include materials for teachers, including educator guides, field trip guides, presentation slides, and guided inquiry questions. Furthermore, the museum offers free entry for teachers on Tuesdays. The offer is applicable to walk-ins only, and teachers must provide a valid school or district ID, in addition to a school email address.
Whether a teacher or simply interested in optical illusions, the Museum of Illusions is a great opportunity for Pittsburghers to challenge their perception of reality.
Contact info@moipittsburgh.com or 412-239-8990 for more information.
