Museum Of Illusions Dubai Review: Tickets, Timings & More!
Among the city's countless architectural marvels and skyscrapers, museums, and heritage houses, one mysterious attraction stands out– The Museum of Illusions. The Dubai branch is only one of the 70 other installments all over the globe, in over 4 continents. As the name might suggest, this museum offers a completely mind-bending experience for all visitors. You can find countless exhibits at the museum, all made to challenge your perception and trick your senses. From optical illusions to gravity-defying rooms, the museum is definitely a playground for your mind.
It's not only a fun experience, but an educational one as well! Visitors can learn all about the science behind these illusions and can experience first-hand how our brains interpret sensory information. Whether you're into the psychology of it all, or just looking for a fun new experience, the Museum of Illusions is a must-visit for all ages!
Your Sneak Peek at the Exhibits!
Guests are spoiled for choice when exploring the Museum of Illusions, which has over 60 different exhibits to choose from and visit. Here, we've compiled a quick list of the top displays to check out while you're at the museum. And of course, don't forget to snap some pictures for your Insta to confuse all your followers!
Vortex Tunnel
The Vortex Tunnel is a completely mind-boggling experience. Some may even consider it a challenge rather than an experience. This illusion dares you to make it through the tunnel surrounded by a spinning cylinder. On paper, that may sound easy but trust that once you're in the position to take your first step, you'll quickly realize how dizzying and disorienting that effect can be on your balance. The tunnel is designed to play tricks on your mind. As you try to navigate through the tunnel, the swirling patterns and motions make you feel like the ground beneath you is always changing, making it impossible to stay balanced.
Ames Room
Named after its inventor, Adelbert Ames Jr., this optical illusion has been around for decades. An Ames Room is essentially a distorted space that makes some objects appear to change sizes or shapes as they move across the room. This kind of optical illusion offers a great understanding of how our brains can easily be tricked by visual cues and perspective, often studied in psychology. The room is usually constructed with a slanted wall; one side shorter than the other end. That way, as you walk from one end to the other you can see yourself shrinking or growing in size!
The Upside-Down Room
Catch a ride on the upside-down train. Flip your world upside down, literally, in this room! Experience the thrill of defying gravity that will for sure leave you questioning your perception. The room is designed to mess with your senses, making you feel like you're stepping into an alternate reality where everything is inverted. As you enter the room, you're bound to become disoriented when the floor becomes the ceiling and the ceiling becomes the floor. The carefully crafted illusion will completely change your senses and leave you questioning what is truly up and what's down!
Anti-Gravity Room
Everybody knows the iconic Michael Jackson move, and while thousands have tried, they can never truly recreate it...until now. At the Anti-Gravity room, you can fully break the laws of physics and channel your inner MJ!
Swap Noses
Take face swaps to a new level! With this illusion, you can merge parts of your face with the person standing in front of you. You can find out how you look with a new beard, a new hairstyle, or even a new nose. How the illusion works is actually pretty simple. All you have to do is stand on opposite sides of a mirror, and align yourself with the person in front of you, and ta-da! The result becomes a seamless blend of both of your faces, giving you a funny new look.
Clone Table
Who needs friends when you have yourself? Elevate your independence as you enjoy a nice sit-down and chat with the person who knows you best – you! The Clone Table is a stimulating exhibit that messes with your perception. While it may seem that there are five versions of yourself sitting right beside you, it's of course just an illusion. The exhibit cleverly uses mirrors and angles to create the illusion of multiple you's. Whether you want to have some deep conversations with yourself, or just play cards, the Clone Table makes it possible!
Tickets
The ticket prices to visit the Museum of Illusions vary among ages. Here are the prices for individual tickets:
- 90 AED per adult (16+)
- 65 AED for children (3-15 years old), and they must be accompanied by an adult at all times
- Free for children below 3
- 40 AED for People of Determination
- 75 AED for seniors (65+)
If you're planning on going with a big group, you can take advantage of their packages:
- 250 AED for a family pack: 2 adults and 2 children.
- 370 AED for a family and friends pack: 5 tickets for adults or children.
- 60 AED for a birthday kid and free for two parents, 75 AED for additional parents.
- 60 AED per student for school trips and teachers for free.
Of course, if you're too excited to visit and want to skip the ticket-booth queues, you can easily book your tickets online for a smoother and hassle-free outing! Online booking is especially convenient during the weekends and public holidays.
The museum also offers both free parking and valet parking, for 50 AED per hour.
Timings
The Museum of Illusions is open all day, all year! The weekly timings are:
- From 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM on Monday to Thursday
- From 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM on Friday to Sunday and public holidays
Location
This unique museum is located in the heart of Al Seef. Some of the attractions that are nearby include:
- Dubai Creek: Just in front of the museum, you can find a beautiful view of the iconic Dubai Creek, the canal, and the bustling waterfront promenade.
- Dubai Museum: Only a 10-minute walk from the museum sits the iconic Dubai Museum. This is one of the oldest buildings in the city, turned into a showcase of life in olden Dubai.
- Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood: The Fahidi Neighborhood is a historical gem and landmark in the city. It gives you a look at how life was in the mid-19th century in Dubai, with most of its ancient architecture preserved.
So what are you waiting for? Get your brain gears turning and challenge your perception; the Museum of Illusions awaits your visit!